Advertisement

Advertisement

matrilineal

[ ma-truh-lin-ee-uhl, mey- ]

adjective

  1. inheriting or determining descent through the female line.


matrilineal

/ ˌmætrɪˈlɪnɪəl; ˌmeɪ- /

adjective

  1. relating to descent or kinship through the female line


matrilineal

  1. Tracing kinship and descent through the female line. ( Compare patrilineal .)


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˌmatriˈlineally, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

  • mat·ri·lin·e·al·ly mat·ri·lin·e·ar·ly adverb

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrilineal1

First recorded in 1900–05; matri- + lineal

Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does matrilineal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Example Sentences

Out in the deep ocean, sperm whales live in extremely social matrilineal family units that mingle in groups within a given clan, which are distinguished by particular dialects and behaviors.

By strict Jewish law, which follows a matrilineal line, Giffords is not a Jew.

At the present day the kinship may be matrilineal or patrilineal without affecting their right.

The area covered by the dichotomous organisations is divided almost equally between matrilineal and patrilineal tribes.

The arrangement suggests that matrilineal descent prevails, but there is probably some error.

We also know approximately the limits of the matrilineal and patrilineal systems.

The clan, it is true, whether matrilineal or patrilineal, tends at the totemic level of society to eclipse the family.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


matrilineagematriliny