English

Adjective

maternal ‎(comparative more maternal, superlative most maternal)

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

   His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.

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

   Toby is my maternal uncle.

3. (anatomy, medicine) Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.

Derived terms

Antonyms

• paternal – father

Coordinate terms

• avuncular – uncle
• materteral – aunt
• paternal – father

Translations

Portuguese

Adjective

maternal m, f ‎(plural maternais, comparable)

1. maternal (of or relating to mothers)

Synonyms

• materno

Noun

maternal m (plural maternais)

1. a school for young children

Spanish

Adjective

maternal m, f ‎(plural maternales)

1. maternal