MATROCLINAL Meaning and
Definition
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Matroclinal is an adjective typically used in anthropology and genetics to describe a lineage or a pattern of inheritance that is traced through the maternal line. Derived from the words "matro," which pertains to the mother, and "clinal," which refers to a gradual change or development, this term indicates a direct connection between an individual and their maternal ancestry.
In a matroclinal system, kinship and descent are primarily established through the female line, focusing on the relationship between a person and their mother, maternal grandmother, great-grandmother, and so on. This concept stands in contrast to a patroclinal system, which is based on ties to the paternal side of the family. Some societies have traditions, customs, or laws that prioritize matroclinal descent, tracing a person's lineage through their mother or other female ancestors.
The term can also be used in genetics to describe the transmission of genetic material exclusively or predominantly from mother to offspring. In this context, matroclinal inheritance often refers to the passage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is inherited exclusively from the mother. This genetic material resides in the mitochondria within each cell and is involved in various cellular processes.
Overall, the word matroclinal signifies a lineage, inheritance, or pattern of descent that is predominantly maternal, emphasized through the maternal line, or influenced by maternal factors.
Common Misspellings for MATROCLINAL
- matrocinal
- matroclinial
- matroclinale
- metrolclinal
- matroclenal
- metoclinal
Etymology of MATROCLINAL
The word "matroclinal" is a compound word derived from two components: "matro-" and "-clinal".
The prefix "matro-" is derived from the Latin word "mater", which means mother. It is used in many English words related to or associated with women, mothers, or maternal relationships, such as "maternity", "maternal", or "matricide".
The suffix "-clinal" is derived from the Latin word "clinare", which means to bend or incline. In English, this suffix usually denotes something that is inclined, leaning, or follows a certain line or direction. For example, "decline" means to lean or slope downward, "recline" means to lean backward, and "inclinal" means having a tendency to incline.
