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matriarch

ma·tri·arch [ máytree rk ] (plural ma·tri·archs)

noun

Definition:

1. woman head of family: a woman who is recognized as being the head of a family, community, or people

2. strong senior woman: a woman, usually a grandmother, who is highly respected by her family and to whom the family turns for advice and help

3. woman in powerful position: a woman who holds a position of dominance, authority, or respect

[Early 17th century. < Latin matr- "mother," after patriarch]

ma·tri·ar·chal [ màytree rk'l ] adjective

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