The word "progenitress" carries the meaning of a female ancestor, and although it may be a fitting term for a particular context, it's not commonly used in everyday language. There are, however, numerous synonyms that can be used instead, such as matriarch, mother, foremother, ancestress, matron, forebear, forefather, antecedent or ancestral mother. Depending on the context in which the word is to be used, some synonyms may be more appropriate than others. For example, "matriarch" can signify a powerful or dominant female figure, while "forebear" may carry a more neutral or even reverential connotation. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the speaker or writer's intention and context.