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avuncularity

 - 2 dictionary results

a⋅vun⋅cu⋅lar

  [uh-vuhng-kyuh-ler]
Use avuncularity in a Sentence
–adjective
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an uncle: avuncular affection.
Origin:
1825–35; < L avuncul(us) a mother's brother, equiv. to av(us) a forefather + *-ont- + *-l(os) dim. suffix (cf. uncle ) + -ar 1

Related forms:
a⋅vun⋅cu⋅lar⋅i⋅ty, noun
a⋅vun⋅cu⋅lar⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

avuncular 
1831, from L. avunculus "maternal uncle," dim. of avus (see uncle). Used humorously for "of a pawnbroker" (uncle was slang for "pawnbroker").
"My only good suit is at present under the avuncular protection." ["Fraser's Magazine," 1832]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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