1. Pertaining to the mother as, for example, the maternal mortality rate. 2. Related through the mother as, for example, the maternal grandparents. 3. Inherited from the mother as, for example, the maternal X chromosome.

Having to do with the mother, coming from the mother, or related through the mother.

Pertaining to the female (cow or heifer).

late 15c., from Old French maternel (14c.), from Vulgar Latin *maternalis, from Latin maternus "maternal, of a mother," from mater "mother" (see mother (n.1)).

having to do with a mother.

Pertaining to the mother.

characteristic of a mother; "warm maternal affection for her guest"- Dorothy Sayers relating to or derived from one's mother; "maternal genes&amp [..]

adj. Pertaining or peculiar to a mother or to motherhood.

Of or relating to the female parent of an organism. © Nature Education

The term maternal means relating to, that which belongs to or coming from one's mother such as, maternal authority, maternal relation, maternal estate, maternal line.

(adj) characteristic of a mother(adj) relating to or derived from one's mother(adj) relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent(adj) related on the mother's side

Having to do with or coming from the mother.

Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother, motherly. ''His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.'' Related through the mother, or her side of the family [..]