Definition of maternal
1 : of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : motherly maternal love maternal instincts
2a : related through a mother his maternal auntb : inherited or derived from the female parent maternal genes
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Examples of maternal in a Sentence
Doctors are concerned about the effects of the drug on maternal health.
her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong
Recent Examples of maternal from the Web
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Then last summer, the University of Maryland study found that Texas had the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S.
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Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children aims to improve pediatric and maternal health in the developing world.
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Within hours of seeing the marks, relatives from the maternal and paternal sides gathered for an emergency meeting to discuss the injuries with Khalil’s mother, Kashae Lacy.
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Research has shown that contraception promotes maternal health by allowing women to space out their pregnancies, among other findings.
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This is evident in the archetype of the Mammy, the black maternal figure who acts as a cipher for the burdens of the white people around her and takes them on with an ever-present smile.
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Leonard and Robin Croswhite had submitted DNA, providing genetic material from the maternal side of Stagg’s line.
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According to one study from 2010, commercial insurers paid hospitals, on average, about $18,000 for maternal and newborn care for vaginal births, and about $28,000 for C-section births.
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For example, in both species the hormone oxytocin modulates maternal bonding (loving) behaviors, while vasopressin accomplishes the task in males.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maternal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology 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
MATERNAL Defined for English Language Learners
maternal
playDefinition of maternal for English Language Learners
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: of or relating to a mother
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: of or relating to a woman who is having a baby
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: related through the mother
MATERNAL Defined for Kids
maternal
playDefinition of maternal for Students
1 : of or relating to a mother maternal instincts
2 : related through the mother maternal grandparents
maternally
adverbWord Root of maternal
The Latin word mater, meaning “mother,” gives us the root mater or matr. Anyone or anything maternal, such as a grandparent, is related through the mother's side of the family. Maternity is the state of being a mother. A matriarch is a woman who is the mother and head of a family. A matron is a married woman who may be a mother.
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about maternal
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See words that rhyme with maternal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for maternal Spanish Central: Translation of maternal Nglish: Translation of maternal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of maternal for Arabic speakers
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