paternal

[ puh-tur-nl ]
/ pəˈtɜr nl /

adjective

characteristic of or befitting a father; fatherly: a kind and paternal reprimand.
of or relating to a father.
related on the father's side: one's paternal grandfather.
derived or inherited from a father: paternal traits.

Origin of paternal

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin paternālis, equivalent to Latin patern(us) paternal ( pater father + -nus adj. suffix) + -ālis -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM paternal

Example sentences from the Web for paternal

British Dictionary definitions for paternal

paternal
/ (pəˈtɜːnəl) /

adjective

relating to or characteristic of a father, esp in showing affection, encouragement, etc; fatherly
(prenominal) related through the father his paternal grandfather
inherited or derived from the male parent

Derived forms of paternal

paternally, adverb

Word Origin for paternal

C17: from Late Latin paternālis, from Latin pater father

Medical definitions for paternal

paternal
[ pə-tûrnəl ]

adj.

Relating to or characteristic of a father or fatherhood.
Received or inherited from a father.
Related through one's father.