Main Entry: ma·ter·nal

Pronunciation: \mə-ˈtərn-^əl\

Function: adjective

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