Parent domain, spelled /ˈpɛərənt dəˈmeɪn/, refers to the highest level domain within a hierarchical domain naming system, such as the Internet domain name system. The word "parent" is pronounced with the short "e" sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /ɛ/ and the word "domain" is pronounced with the long "a" sound, represented by the phonetic symbol /eɪ/. Together, they form a compound word that is pronounced "PAIR-unt doh-MAYN." The accurate spelling of "parent domain" is vital for web developers and internet users who work with domain names.
A parent domain refers to the highest level or main domain in a hierarchical structure of domains in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is the immediate superior or ancestor domain that encompasses subdomains and hosts within the domain hierarchy. The parent domain is situated above its child domains but below the root domain.
In the DNS, a domain is a unique and human-readable identifier that helps to locate and access resources, such as websites or email servers, on the internet. Each domain is structured in a hierarchical manner, with labels (strings of characters) separated by dots. The parent domain is responsible for controlling and managing its child domains and subdomains.
For example, considering the domain name "example.com," the "example" part represents the parent domain, while the ".com" extension denotes the top-level domain (TLD) or root domain. Any subdomains created under "example.com" would be considered child domains of the parent domain.
Parent domains play a crucial role in DNS management, as they determine the organization and structure of the entire domain hierarchy. Changes made at the parent domain level, such as updating DNS records or configuring domain settings, can impact all the associated child domains and subdomains within the hierarchy.
The word "parent domain" is a compound term that combines both "parent" and "domain".
The term "parent" comes from the Latin word "parēns", which means "one who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures". It originally referred to someone who has given birth to or raised a child. Over time, it evolved to refer to any person who has a direct or primary connection to another person or thing. In the context of domains, the term "parent" denotes the higher-level domain from which subdomains are derived or connected.
The word "domain" has its roots in the Middle English term "domaine", which borrowed from the Old French word "demeine" or "domaine". The Old French term ultimately derived from the Latin word "dominium", meaning "ownership" or "property".