Main Entry:

ma·tri·arch

Pronunciation:

\ˈmā-trē-ˌärk\

Function:

noun

Date:

1606

: a woman who rules or dominates a family, group, or state ; specifically : a mother who is head and ruler of her family and descendants

— ma·tri·ar·chal \ˌmā-trē-ˈär-kəl\ adjective