Main entry: ancestor, antecedent, ascendant, ascendent, root
Definition: someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
Main entry: ascendant, ascendent
Definition: position or state of being dominant or in control
Usage: that idea was in the ascendant
Main entry: dominating, ascendant, ascendent
Definition: most powerful or important or influential
Usage: the economically ascendant class; D-day is considered the dominating event of the war in Europe
Main entry: ascendant, ascendent, ascensive
Definition: tending or directed upward
Usage: rooted and ascendant strength like that of foliage- John Ruskin