English dictionary

maternal

/m/@/'t/[@]/rn/-/l/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

adjective

characteristic of a mother

adj.all

Examples
Warm maternal affection for her guest.

Antonyms paternal

Source: WordNet 3.0
relating to or derived from one's mother

adj.pert

Examples
Maternal genes.

Source: WordNet 3.0
relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent

adj.all

Synonyms parental paternal

Antonyms filial

Source: WordNet 3.0
Of or pertaining to a mother; becoming to a mother; motherly; as, <i>maternal</i> love; <i>maternal</i> tenderness.

adjective

Source: webster1913