parent

noun | par·ent

1. a : a person who begets or brings forth offspring; especially : the natural parents of a child born of their marriage : the natural parents of a child born of their marriage

   b : a person who legally adopts a child

   c : a person or entity that owes to a child a legally imposed duty of support

   d : a stepparent where designated by statute

2. : an entity or group that gives rise to or acquires another usually subsidiary entity or group a parent company; specifically : a corporation that owns a required minimum percentage of the stock of another corporation — compare affiliate : a corporation that owns a required minimum percentage of the stock of another corporation — compare affiliate