matrilineal

[ ma-truh-lin-ee-uhl, mey- ]

adjective

1. inheriting or determining descent through the female line.

matrilineal

/ ˌmeɪ-; ˌmætrɪˈlɪnɪəl /

adjective

1. relating to descent or kinship through the female line

matrilineal

1. Tracing kinship and descent through the female line. ( Compare patrilineal .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmatriˈlineally, adverb

Other Words From

• mat·ri·lin·e·al·ly mat·ri·lin·e·ar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrilineal¹

First recorded in 1900–05; matri- + lineal

Example Sentences

Out in the deep ocean, sperm whales live in extremely social matrilineal family units that mingle in groups within a given clan, which are distinguished by particular dialects and behaviors.

From Popular-Science

By strict Jewish law, which follows a matrilineal line, Giffords is not a Jew.

From The Daily Beast

At the present day the kinship may be matrilineal or patrilineal without affecting their right.

From Project Gutenberg

The area covered by the dichotomous organisations is divided almost equally between matrilineal and patrilineal tribes.

From Project Gutenberg

The arrangement suggests that matrilineal descent prevails, but there is probably some error.

From Project Gutenberg

We also know approximately the limits of the matrilineal and patrilineal systems.

From Project Gutenberg

The clan, it is true, whether matrilineal or patrilineal, tends at the totemic level of society to eclipse the family.

From Project Gutenberg