1. used to describe the relationship between mother and children that continues in a family with each generation, or something that is based on this relationship
   • ● She traced her family history by matrilineal descent (= starting with her mother, her mother's mother, etc.).
   Compare : patrilinealTopics
   Word Originearly 20th cent.: from Latin mater, matr- ‘mother’ + lineal.

   Want to learn more?

   Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Collocations: app.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲