based on or tracing descent through the male line; "a patrilineal society"
Used in a Sentence
patrilinear
How to use patrilinear in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for patrilinear.
Editorial note
If you go 30 generations back, you might have a billion ancestors, but only 30 patrilinear ones.
Examples3
Definitions1
Parts of speech1
Quick take
based on or tracing descent through the male line; "a patrilineal society"
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of patrilinear gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for patrilinear.
adjective
based on or tracing descent through the male line; "a patrilineal society"
See also: patrilineal
Example sentences
If you go 30 generations back, you might have a billion ancestors, but only 30 patrilinear ones.
The article uses somewhat confusing language, but I think this is about the most recent common patrilinear ancestor; now older than what was assumed before.
We have technology to measure patrilinear ancestry through the Y chromosome, and matrilinear ancestry through the mitochondrial DNA.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use patrilinear in a sentence?
If you go 30 generations back, you might have a billion ancestors, but only 30 patrilinear ones.
What does patrilinear mean?
based on or tracing descent through the male line; "a patrilineal society"
What part of speech is patrilinear?
patrilinear is commonly used as adjective.