lineal

[ lin-ee-uhl ]

adjective

1. being in the direct line, as a descendant or ancestor, or in a direct line, as descent or succession.
2. of or transmitted by lineal descent.
3. linear.

lineal

/ ˈlɪnɪəl /

adjective

1. being in a direct line of descent from an ancestor
2. of, involving, or derived from direct descent
3. a less common word for linear

Derived Forms

• ˈlineally, adverb

Other Words From

• line·al·ly adverb
• multi·line·al adjective
• non·line·al adjective
• un·line·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lineal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word līneālis. See line ¹, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lineal¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin līneālis, from Latin līnea line ¹

Example Sentences

Each tribe determines its own enrollment, but a common requirement is lineal descendancy from someone on the tribal roll.

From Seattle Times

Such research can rediscover people’s names and families to possibly identify any living lineal descendants, as well as inform repatriation claims made by self-identified descendant communities.

From Science Magazine

Tuesday, the state Senate voted 31-5 to approve a bill that would redefine “ancestry” to include “lineal descent, heritage, parentage, caste, or any inherited social status.”

From Seattle Times

"Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special."

From BBC

There has never been an undisputed heavyweight champion that has held all four major world titles as well as the lineal title.

From BBC

Related Words

• consecutive
• nonstop
• short
• smooth
• solid
• straightforward
• successive
• true