maternal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective characteristic of a mother
    • warm maternal affection for her guest"- Dorothy Sayers
  2. adjective relating to or derived from one's mother
    • maternal genes
  3. adjective relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent
    paternal; parental.
    • parental guidance
  4. adjective satellite related on the mother's side
    enatic; enate.
    • my maternal grandmother

WordNet

Ma*ter"nal adjective
Etymology
F. maternel, L. maternus, fr. mater mother. See Mother.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a mother; becoming to a mother; motherly; as, maternal love; maternal tenderness. Syn. -- See Motherly.

Webster 1913