Main Entry:

avun·cu·lar

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈvəŋ-kyə-lər\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin avunculus maternal uncle — more at uncle

Date:

1831

1 : of or relating to an uncle 2 : suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality <avuncular indulgence>

— avun·cu·lar·i·ty \ə-ˌvəŋ-kyə-ˈla-rə-tē, -ˈler-ə-\ noun

— avun·cu·lar·ly \ə-ˈvəŋ-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb