maternal

adjective ma·ter·nal \mə-ˈtər-n^əl\

: 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

: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : motherly

a : related through a mother <his maternal aunt>

b : inherited or derived from the female parent <maternal genes>

— ma·ter·nal·ly \-n^əl-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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to MATERNAL

Synonyms: motherly, mother

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

Rhymes with MATERNAL

diurnal, eternal, external, fraternal, hibernal, infernal, internal, nocturnal, paternal, supernal

MATERNAL Defined for Kids

maternal

adjective ma·ter·nal \mə-ˈtər-n^əl\

Definition of MATERNAL for Kids

: of or relating to a mother <maternal instincts>

: 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.

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