maternal

ma·ter·nal

adj \mə-ˈtər-n^əl\

Definition of MATERNAL

1

: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : motherly

2

a : related through a mother <his maternal aunt> b : inherited or derived from the female parent <maternal genes>

— ma·ter·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of MATERNAL

1. Doctors are concerned about the effects of the drug on maternal health.
2. <her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong>

Origin of MATERNAL

Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French maternel, from Medieval Latin maternalis, from Latin maternus, from mater mother — more at mother

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to MATERNAL

Synonyms: motherly, mother

Related Words: parental; female, feminine, womanish, womanlike, womanly; matriarchal, matronly; caring, giving, nurturing

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Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

Rhymes with MATERNAL

diurnal, eternal, external, fraternal, hibernal, infernal, internal, nocturnal, paternal, supernal