matrilinear
|mat-ri-lin-ear|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌmætrɪˈlɪniər/
🇬🇧
/ˌmætrɪˈlɪniə/
maternal lineage
Etymology
Etymology Information
'matrilinear' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'mater,' meaning 'mother,' and 'linea,' meaning 'line.'
Historical Evolution
'mater' and 'linea' combined in Latin to form 'matrilinearis,' which eventually became the modern English word 'matrilinear.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'related to the mother's line,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to, based on, or tracing descent through the maternal line.
In some cultures, inheritance is matrilinear, passing from mother to daughter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/19 02:59