adj.
Pronunciation: p ə - ' t ə r-n ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin paternalis, from Latin paternus paternal, from pater
Date: 15th century
1 a : of or relating to a father b : like that of a father < paternal benevolence>
2 : received or inherited from one's male parent
3 : related through one's father < paternal grandfather>
– pa · ter · nal · ly \ -n ə l- ē \ adverb