dynasty
UK[ˈdɪnəsti]US[ˈdaɪnəsti]
n
A series of rulers of a country who all belong to the same family.
n
A period of time during which a country is ruled by members of the same family.
n
A family, team, or organization that is very powerful or successful for a long period of time.
Etymology
The word 'dynasty' entered English in the late 14th century via Old French dinastie and Late Latin dynastia, from Greek dynasteia meaning 'power, lordship, rule'. This Greek term is built on dynastēs, 'a ruler or potentate', which itself comes from dynasthai, 'to be able, to have power', a verb related to dynamis (power). The core semantic thread from its Proto-Indo-European root deu- (to do, perform, show favor) evolved through Greek into the concept of capability and power, specifically the power to rule. Thus, the modern abstract meaning shifted from the general concept of 'power' to the specific, inherited political power of a ruling family, capturing both the institution and the era it defines.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from Latin and Greek. It entered English as a single, unanalyzed unit. The Greek root dynastēs (ruler, lord) is derived from dynasthai (to be able, to have power).
Examples
The Ming dynasty was a period of great cultural expansion in China.
The company has been controlled by the same family dynasty for over a century.
The sports team is hoping to build a new dynasty with their young players.