First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
maternal
adjective ma·ter·nal \mə-ˈtər-nəl\
: of or relating to a mother
: of or relating to a woman who is having a baby
: related through the mother
Full 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
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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
Other Genetics Terms
MATERNAL Defined for Kids
maternal
adjective ma·ter·nal \mə-ˈtər-nəl\
Definition of MATERNAL for Kids
1
: of or relating to a mother <maternal instincts>
2
: related through the mother <maternal grandparents>
— ma·ter·nal·ly adverb
Word 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
maternal
adjective ma·ter·nal \mə-ˈtərn-əl\
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
Learn More About MATERNAL
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