maternalism

ma·ter·nal  (m-tûrnl)

adj.

1. Relating to or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly: maternal instinct.

2. Inherited from one's mother: a maternal trait.

3. Related through one's mother: my maternal uncle.

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[Middle English, from Old French maternel, from Medieval Latin mternlis, from Latin mternus, from mter, mother; see mter- in Indo-European roots.]

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ma·ternal·ism n.

ma·ternal·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	maternalism - the quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth and affection of or befitting a mother; "the girl's motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the children" maternal quality, motherliness, maternity parental quality - a quality appropriate to a parent
	2.	maternalism - motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children care, tending, attention, aid - the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something; "no medical care was required"; "the old car needs constant attention"