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- pronunciation:
- m
tuhr
n l
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: |
adjective |
definition 1: |
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother.
Maternal behavior comes naturally to these animals.She felt maternal love for all her children.Sadly for the young man, her feelings for him were more maternal than romantic.
- synonyms:
- motherly
- similar words:
- mother, nurturing, parental
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definition 2: |
related on the mother's side of the family.
My maternal grandmother is much older than my father's mother.- synonyms:
- matrilineal
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derivations: |
maternalistic (adj.), maternally (adv.), maternalism (n.) |
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