maternal meaning and definition

MATERNAL adjective

Definition of maternal (adjective)

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