someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
"The family gathered to honor their ascendant, whose story had been retold for generations but rarely seen firsthand."
Being in control; superiority, or commanding influence; ascendency.
"The rival faction has finally lost its grip, leaving our leader's authority firmly ascendant across the entire organization."
most powerful or important or influential
"the economically ascendant class"
"D-day is considered the dominating event of the war in Europe"
Rising, moving upward.
"As the sun climbed higher into the sky, it became ascendant over the distant mountains."