maternal

[ muh-tur-nl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, having the qualities of, or befitting a mother:

   maternal instincts.

2. related through a mother:

   his maternal aunt.

3. derived from a mother:

   maternal genes.

maternal

/ məˈtɜːnəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, derived from, or characteristic of a mother
2. related through the mother's side of the family

   his maternal uncle

Derived Forms

• maˈternally, adverb
• maˈternalism, noun
• maˌternalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• ma·ternal·ism noun
• ma·ternal·istic adjective
• ma·ternal·ly adverb
• nonma·ternal adjective
• nonma·ternal·ly adverb
• quasi-ma·ternal adjective
• quasi-ma·ternal·ly adverb
• unma·ternal adjective
• unma·ternal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of maternal¹

1475–85; < Medieval Latin māternālis, equivalent to Latin mātern ( us ) ( māter mother ¹ + -nus adj. suffix) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of maternal¹

C15: from Medieval Latin māternālis, from Latin māternus, from māter mother

Example Sentences

"Understanding these risks allows us to develop better guidelines to protect maternal and child health."

From Science Daily

In a statement, Cedars-Sinai said that “we respectfully disagree with the department’s assertions but pledge to continue working to improve maternal health equity.”

From Los Angeles Times

However, the pandemic also presented significant barriers, including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress.

From Science Daily

Butler spoke of working with Republicans to find areas of collaboration on shared goals, such as the issue of maternal healthcare with Alabama Sen. Katie Britt and agricultural issues with Iowa Sen. Charles E. Grassley.

From Los Angeles Times

This conclusion remains significant even after accounting for factors like birth order, sanitation practices, maternal height, sibling count, education, anaemia and household socio-economic status.

From BBC

Related Words

• parental