maternal

/məˈtɜːnəl/

IPA: /M AH0 T ER1 N AH0 L/

noun

1
A mother.
2
A person related through the mother, or her side of the family; a maternal relative.

adjective

1
Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly.
“His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.”
ant:fatherly paternal
2
Related through the mother, or her side of the family.
“Toby is my maternal uncle.”
ant:paternal
3
Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.
ant:fetal foetal

Antonyms

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