lineal

American  

[lin-ee-uhl] / ˈlɪn i əl /

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.

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lineal British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• lineally adverb
• multilineal adjective
• nonlineal adjective
• unlineal adjective

Etymology

Origin of lineal

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

Example Sentences

The United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, was a lineal descendant of the Marshall Plan and an embodiment of soft power.

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times

Archival documents they found also mention a wife and child—meaning Voorhees could have unidentified lineal descendants living today who could claim his remains.

From Science Magazine

"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