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