Maternal

noun

/məˈtɜːnəl/

Word Frequency: 12.2

Definitions

1.nounA mother.

2.nounA person related through the mother, or her side of the family; a maternal relative.

3.adjectiveOf or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly.

"His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts."

4.adjectiveRelated through the mother, or her side of the family.

"Toby is my maternal uncle."

5.adjectiveDerived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.

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