avunculate

[ uh-vuhng-kyuh-lit, -leyt ]

noun

, Anthropology.

1. a close social relationship between a maternal uncle and his nephew.

avunculate

/ əˈvʌŋkjʊlɪt /

noun

1. the custom in some societies of assigning rights and duties to a maternal uncle concerning his sister's son

adjective

1. of, relating to, or governed by this custom

Word History and Origins

Origin of avunculate¹

1915–20; < Latin avuncul ( us ) uncle ( avuncular ) + -ate ³