agnate

1 of 2

noun

ag·​nate ˈag-ˌnāt How to pronounce agnate (audio)
1
: a relative whose kinship is traceable exclusively through males
2
: a paternal kinsman

agnate

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
: related through male descent or on the father's side
agnatic adjective

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Latin agnātus "younger child, male blood relative on the father's side," noun from agnātus, past participle of agnāscī "to be born in addition (to), grow later," from ad- ad- + gnāscī, nāscī "to be born" — more at nation

Adjective

borrowed from Latin agnātus — more at agnate entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of agnate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near agnate

Cite this Entry

“Agnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agnate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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