matrilineal

[ ma-truh-lin-ee-uhl, mey- ]

adjective

1. inheriting or determining descent through the female line.

matrilineal

/ ˌmeɪ-; ˌmætrɪˈlɪnɪəl /

adjective

1. relating to descent or kinship through the female line

matrilineal

1. Tracing kinship and descent through the female line. ( Compare patrilineal .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmatriˈlineally, adverb

Other Words From

• mat·ri·lin·e·al·ly mat·ri·lin·e·ar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrilineal¹

First recorded in 1900–05; matri- + lineal

Example Sentences

The researchers conclude that the Eberdingen-Hochdorf man’s sister was most likely the mother of the man in Asperg-Grafenbuhl—an arrangement known as matrilineal avuncularity.

From Science Magazine

Matrilineal avuncularity is known from a few ethnographic and historical examples, he notes, such as the Iroquois of North America, and is often unrelated to concerns about female fidelity.

From Science Magazine

Females are in charge, and rank means everything—a matrilineal system that has fueled the spotted hyena’s rise as the most abundant large carnivore in Africa.

From National Geographic

Part of that matrilineal dominance is physiological.

From National Geographic

The poisoned mother’s cubs, now shorn of their matrilineal privilege, are not adopted by other females and are left to starve.

From National Geographic