A father (or dad) is defined as a male parent or Individual progenitor of human offspring. The adjective "paternal" refers to a father and comparatively to "maternal" for a mother. The verb "to father" means to procreate or to sire a child from which also derives the gerund "fathering". Fathers determine the gender of their child through a sperm cell which either contains an X chromosome (female), or Y chromosome (male).
Read more about Father: Etymology, Relationship With Children, Determination of Parenthood, History of Fatherhood, Father–offspring Conflict, Categories, Non-human Fatherhood
Famous quotes containing the word father:
“...your Father knows what you need before you ask him..”
—Bible: New Testament, Matthew 6:8.
“That is the thankless position of the father in the family—the provider for all, and the enemy of all.”
—J. August Strindberg (1849–1912)
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
—Bible: Hebrew Exodus 20:12, one of the Ten Commandments.