a position of dominance or controlling influence: possession of power, superiority, or preeminence

With his rivals in the ascendant, he soon lost his position.

an ancestor; forebear.

Astrology . the point of the ecliptic or the sign and degree of the zodiac rising above the eastern horizon at the time of a birth or event

the cusp of the first house.

ascending; rising.

superior; predominant.

Botany . directed or curved upward.

adjective

dominant , predominant , prepotent , prevailing , regnant , supreme

noun

antecedent , father , forebear , forefather , foremother , mother , parent , progenitor