A matriclan is a group of people that are linked through their maternal ancestry. There are many synonyms for this term, often used in different cultural contexts. In some cultures, the term "gens" is used to refer to a matriclan. Other synonyms include "matriarch," "mother's family," and "matrilineage." In some African cultures, a matriclan is referred to as an "uree," while in some Native American cultures, it is referred to as a "moiety." In essence, a matriclan is a fundamental unit within societies that is linked through lineage. While it may be referred to by various names, the meaning and importance remain the same across cultures.