Ma'tri·arch noun [ Latin mater mother + -arch .] The mother and ruler of a family or of her descendants; a ruler by maternal right. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/M/32
matriarch, matriarchic 1. A woman who is recognized as being the head of a family, community, or people. 2. A woman, usually a grandmother, who is highly respected by her family and to whom the family turns for advice and help. 3. A woman who holds a position of dominance,, or respect. 4. A woman having the status corresponding to that of a patria... Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/1261/