matrilineal
母系氏族,母系,母系社会,母系的
Definitions
- 1
- : inheriting or determining descent through the female line.
Examples
Out in the deep ocean, sperm whales live in extremely social matrilineal family units that mingle in groups within a given clan, which are distinguished by particular dialects and behaviors.
By strict Jewish law, which follows a matrilineal line, Giffords is not a Jew.
At the present day the kinship may be matrilineal or patrilineal without affecting their right.
The area covered by the dichotomous organisations is divided almost equally between matrilineal and patrilineal tribes.
The arrangement suggests that matrilineal descent prevails, but there is probably some error.
We also know approximately the limits of the matrilineal and patrilineal systems.
The clan, it is true, whether matrilineal or patrilineal, tends at the totemic level of society to eclipse the family.