avunculate

noun

avun·​cu·​late
-ˌlāt
plural -s
1
: a special relationship obtaining among some tribal peoples between a nephew and his maternal uncle
2
: authority of a man over his sister's family affairs but especially over her children and the reciprocal rights and responsibilities associated therewith compare amitate

Word History

Etymology

Latin avunculus + English -ate

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Dictionary Entries Near avunculate

Cite this Entry

“Avunculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avunculate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

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