LINEAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does lineal mean? 

• LINEAL (adjective)
  The adjective LINEAL has 2 senses:

1. in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child

2. arranged in a line

  Familiarity information: LINEAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LINEAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child

Synonyms:

direct; lineal

Context example:

direct heredity

Similar:

matrilineal; matrilinear (based on or tracing descent through the female line)

patrilineal; patrilinear (based on or tracing descent through the male line)

unilateral (tracing descent from either the paternal or the maternal line only)

Also:

related (connected by kinship, common origin, or marriage)

Antonym:

collateral (descended from a common ancestor but through different lines)

Derivation:

line (the descendants of one individual)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Arranged in a line

Similar:

linear; one-dimensional (of or in or along or relating to a line; involving or having a single dimension)

Derivation:

line (a spatial location defined by a real or imaginary unidimensional extent)