adj
maternal
muh-TUR-nuhl
adj
1
Relating to a mother, or having the caring, protective qualities associated with a mother.
"She felt a sudden maternal urge to protect the younger children."
"His maternal instinct kicked in the moment the baby cried."
2
Related through one's mother's side of the family.
"His maternal grandmother taught him to cook."
How to Use Maternal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to a mother, mother-like, or coming from the mother's side of the family.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
maternal instinct
maternal grandmother
maternal love
Word Forms
more maternal comparative, maternals plural, most maternal superlative
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She felt a sudden _____ urge to protect the younger children.
Etymology
From Latin māternus, "of a mother," from māter, "mother."