matrifocalPronunciation: /ˌmatrɪˈfəʊk(ə)l/Definition of matrifocal adjective (of a society, culture, etc.) based on the mother as the head of the family or household. Origin: 1950s: from Latin mater, matr- 'mother' + focalmatrifocal in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of matrifocal in the US English dictionary