avunculate

[ uh-vuhng-kyuh-lit, -leyt ]
/ əˈvʌŋ kyə lɪt, -ˌleɪt /

noun Anthropology.

a close social relationship between a maternal uncle and his nephew.

Origin of avunculate

1915–20; < Latin avuncul(us) uncle (see avuncular) + -ate3

Words nearby avunculate

British Dictionary definitions for avunculate

avunculate
/ (əˈvʌŋkjʊlɪt) /

noun

the custom in some societies of assigning rights and duties to a maternal uncle concerning his sister's son

adjective

of, relating to, or governed by this custom