Main Entry: ma·ter·nal

Pronunciation: \mə-ˈtər-n^əl\

Function: adjective

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

Date: 15th century

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