paternal meaning and definition

PATERNAL adjective

Definition of paternal (adjective)

1. belonging to or inherited from one's father
   • "spent his childhood on the paternal farm"; "paternal traits"
2. characteristic of a father
   • antonym: maternal
3. relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent
   • "parental guidance"
   • synonyms: maternal, parental
   • antonym: filial
4. related on the father's side
   • "a paternal aunt"
   • synonyms: agnate, agnatic