Glossary
Genetic genealogy glossary
Plain-language definitions for common terms used in DNA and family research.
Genetic genealogy
The use of DNA evidence together with documentary research to study family relationships.
Unknown parentage
A situation where one or more biological parents or family lines are unknown.
NPE
Not Parent Expected; commonly used when DNA results reveal an unexpected parentage situation.
Shared matches
DNA matches who also match each other or another selected person.
Triangulation
A method of comparing DNA segments and relationships to support a shared ancestral connection.