provenance

noun

UK /ˈprɒv.ən.əns/

US /ˈprɑː.vən.əns/

The place where something came from.

The museum checked the provenance of the old painting to make sure it was real.

SYNONYMS

origin source history background derivation

RELATED WORDS

record ownership authenticity lineage documentation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The record of who has owned an object over time.

The antique vase has a clear provenance going back two hundred years.

3. The place where a plant, animal, or food is originally from.

This coffee is famous for its provenance in the mountains of Colombia.

4. The source or beginning of an idea or custom.

The teacher explained the provenance of the holiday tradition.