maternal

The definition of maternal is something related to or characteristic of a mother, such as motherly instincts or relatives from a mother's side of the family.

(adjective)

  1. An example of maternal is rocking a baby to sleep.
  2. An example of maternal is your grandmother on your mother's side.

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See maternal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of, like, or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly
  2. derived, received, or inherited from a mother
  3. related through the mother's side of the family: maternal grandparents

Origin: ME < MFr maternel < L maternus < mater, mother

Related Forms:

See maternal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Relating to or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly: maternal instinct.
  2. Inherited from one's mother: a maternal trait.
  3. Related through one's mother: my maternal uncle.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French maternel

Origin: , from Medieval Latin māternālis

Origin: , from Latin māternus

Origin: , from māter, mother; see māter- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • ma·terˈnal·ism noun
  • ma·terˈnal·ly adverb

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