Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

matriclan

noun
matri·​clan | \ ˈmā‧trə, ˈma‧+ˌ-\
plural -s

Definition of matriclan

: a matrilineal clan —contrasted with patriclan

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for matriclan

matr- + clan

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about matriclan

Statistics for matriclan

Look-up Popularity

Comments on matriclan

What made you want to look up matriclan? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gritty

Listen to the pronounciation of gritty

showing courage and determination

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a closeup of a sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games