allomaternal

adjective

al·​lo·​ma·​ter·​nal ˌa-lō-mə-ˈtər-nəl How to pronounce allomaternal (audio)
: of, relating to, or provided by an allomother
… there is a correlation between allomaternal care and enhanced maternal reproductive success.Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, in Neurobiology of the Parental Brain, 2008

Word History

Etymology

allo- + maternal entry 1

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allomaternal was in 1990

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near allomaternal

Cite this Entry

“Allomaternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allomaternal. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!