bloodline

noun

Etymology: From blood + line.

1. The abstract link between a person and their ancestors.

   “For centuries in Britain, the country’s noblemen have sat in parliament by virtue of their bloodline – but not for much longer.”

2. The pedigree of an animal.
3. By extension, the predecessors of a particular item or product.

   “No other Sport Utility Vehicle has a bloodline like the Cayenne.”

4. A line of dark red muscle running down the middle of a fish.