Final answer:
The term "prodigal son" comes from a parable told by Jesus in the Bible, where a son wastes his inheritance on extravagant living before returning to his father. "Prodigal" means wasteful or extravagant, reflecting the son's behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "prodigal son" comes from the Bible and refers to a parable told by Jesus. In the story, a son asks his father for his inheritance early and goes on to waste it on extravagant living.
When his resources are depleted, the son realizes his mistake and returns to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. The term "prodigal" means wasteful or extravagant, highlighting the son's behavior in the story.