— patronymically , adv.
/pa'treuh nim"ik/ , adj.
1. (of family names) derived from the name of a father or ancestor, esp. by the addition of a suffix or prefix indicating descent.
2. (of a suffix or prefix) indicating descent.
n.
3. a patronymic name, as Williamson (son of William) or Macdonald (son of Donald).
4. a family name; surname.
[ 1605-15; patronymicus patronymikós equiv. to patrónym(os) patronymic (see PATRI-, -ONYM) + -ikos -IC ]