1. in a manner that traces descent or inheritance through the mother’s line
Usage: anthropological; sociological

Examples

• In many Native American tribes, clan membership is determined matrilineally.
• The royal succession was traced matrilineally through the queen’s daughters.
• Property was passed down matrilineally from mother to daughter.
• The family name was inherited matrilineally in their culture.
• Kinship ties were calculated matrilineally rather than through the father’s side.
• The anthropologist studied how wealth was transferred matrilineally in the society.