matrilineal Hear it!

matrilineal definition

mat·ri·lin·eal (ma′trə lin′ē əl, mā′trə-)

adjective

designating or of descent, kinship, or derivation through the mother
also matrilinear mat′·ri·lin′·ear (-lin′ē ər)

Etymology: matri- + lineal

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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