maternal
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ma·ter·nal
adjective \mə-ˈtər-nəl\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 \-nəl-ē\ adverb
See Examples of MATERNAL
- Doctors are concerned about the effects of the drug on maternal health.
- <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
Other Genetics Terms
ma·ter·nal
adjective \mə-ˈtərn-əl\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of MATERNAL
1
: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother <maternal instinct>
2
a : related through a mother <his maternal aunt> b : inherited or derived from the female parent <maternal genes>
—ma·ter·nal·ly \-əl-ē\ adverb
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