maternal

/məˈtɜːnəl//məˈtɜɹnəl/

noun

  1. 1

    A mother.

  2. 2

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

adjective

  1. 1

    Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly.

    “His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.”
  2. 2

    Related through the mother, or her side of the family.

    “Toby is my maternal uncle.”
  3. 3

    Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.

Antonyms

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