maternal

ma·ter·nal

adj \mə-ˈtərn-^əl\

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