adj.
Pronunciation: ' li-n ē - ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : LINEAR
2 : composed of or arranged in lines
3 a : consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry ― compare COLLATERAL 2 b : relating to or derived from ancestors : HEREDITARY c : descended in a direct line
4 a : belonging to one lineage < lineal relatives> b : of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage
– lin · e · al · i · ty \ ˌ li-n ē - ' a-l ə -t ē \ noun
– lin · e · al · ly \ ' li-n ē - ə -l ē \ adverb