Main Entry:

fra·ter·nal

Pronunciation:

\frə-ˈtər-n^əl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Medieval Latin fraternalis, from Latin fraternus, from frater brother — more at brother

Date:

15th century

1 a: of, relating to, or involving brothers b: of, relating to, or being a fraternity or society <a fraternal order>2: derived from two ova : dizygotic <fraternal twins>3: friendly, brotherly

— fra·ter·nal·ism \-nə-ˌliz-əm\ noun

— fra·ter·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb