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maternal
[ muh-tur-nl ]
adjective
- of, pertaining to, having the qualities of, or befitting a mother:
maternal instincts.
- related through a mother:
his maternal aunt.
- derived from a mother:
maternal genes.
maternal
/ məˈtɜːnəl /
adjective
- of, relating to, derived from, or characteristic of a mother
- related through the mother's side of the family
his maternal uncle
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Derived Forms
- maˈternalism, noun
- maˈternally, adverb
- maˌternalˈistic, adjective
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Other Words From
- ma·ternal·ism noun
- ma·ternal·istic adjective
- ma·ternal·ly adverb
- nonma·ternal adjective
- nonma·ternal·ly adverb
- quasi-ma·ternal adjective
- quasi-ma·ternal·ly adverb
- unma·ternal adjective
- unma·ternal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of maternal1
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Example Sentences
Advanced maternal age dramatically increases the risk of maternal mortality as well as birth defects like Down Syndrome.
Genes passed down through the maternal side, though, were found to be a “perfect mitochondrial match.”
Some women who want to be mothers and have maternal love to give should have the ability to do just that.
There were rising export numbers, education programs, and maternal health efforts.
How her role became more “maternal rather than marital,” and branding Hawking an “all-powerful emperor” and “masterly puppeteer.”
In passing to her own chamber she met the Emperor, and, in the agitation of her maternal fears, told him all that had passed.
Here Letty drew the coverlet from the face of the sleeping babe, and displayed his chubby proportions with maternal pride.
If any one doubts it let him compare the matrimonial opportunities of the ugly maternal girl and the ugly clever girl.
Her mother pressed the coveted treasure to her bosom with maternal love, more calm, and deep, and enduring.
An offer which Jane received from a very honest, industrious, and thrifty jeweler, aroused anew a mother's maternal solicitude.
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