'Maternal' definitions:

Definition of 'maternal'

From: WordNet
adjective
Characteristic of a mother; "warm maternal affection for her guest"- Dorothy Sayers [ant: paternal]
adjective
Relating to or derived from one's mother; "maternal genes"
adjective
Relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent; "parental guidance" [syn: parental, maternal, paternal] [ant: filial]
adjective
Related on the mother's side; "my maternal grandmother" [syn: enate, enatic, maternal(p)]

Definition of 'Maternal'

From: GCIDE
  • Maternal \Ma*ter"nal\, a. [F. maternel, L. maternus, fr. mater mother. See Mother.] Of or pertaining to a mother; becoming to a mother; motherly; as, maternal love; maternal tenderness. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: See Motherly. [1913 Webster]