First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
fraternal
adjective fra·ter·nal \frə-ˈtər-nəl\
: of or relating to brothers
: made up of members who share an interest or purpose
: friendly or brotherly
Full Definition of FRATERNAL
1
a : of, relating to, or involving brothers b : of, relating to, or being a fraternity or society <a fraternal order>
2
: derived from two ova : dizygotic <fraternal twins>
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Origin of FRATERNAL
Middle English, from Medieval Latin fraternalis, from Latin fraternus, from frater brother — more at brother
Related to FRATERNAL
- Synonyms
- brotherly
Other Genetics Terms
FRATERNAL Defined for Kids
fraternal
adjective fra·ter·nal \frə-ˈtər-nəl\
Definition of FRATERNAL for Kids
1
: having to do with brothers <fraternal affection>
2
: made up of members banded together like brothers <a fraternal organization>
Medical Dictionary
fraternal
adjective fra·ter·nal \frə-ˈtərn-əl\
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