In these rare instances, the law of pedigree, whether direct or avuncular, gives way. --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
avuncular — (adj.) 1789, from L. avunculus maternal uncle, dim. of avus (see UNCLE (Cf. uncle)) + AR (Cf. ar). Used humorously for of a pawnbroker (uncle was slang for pawnbroker from c.1600 through 19c.). My only good suit is at present under the avuncular… … Etymology dictionary
avuncular — adj. 2 g. Que vem dos tios … Dicionário da Língua Portuguesa
avuncular — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ like an uncle in being friendly towards a younger person. ORIGIN from Latin avunculus maternal uncle … English terms dictionary
avuncular — [ə vuŋ′kyo͞o lər] adj. [< L avunculus, maternal uncle, dim. of avus, ancestor (see ATAVISM) + AR] 1. of an uncle 2. having traits considered typical of uncles; jolly, indulgent, stodgy, etc … English World dictionary
avuncular — [[t]əvʌ̱ŋkjʊlə(r)[/t]] ADJ GRADED: usu ADJ n An avuncular man or a man with avuncular behaviour is friendly and helpful towards someone younger. [FORMAL] he began to talk in his most gentle and avuncular manner … English dictionary
avuncular — adjective /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə,əˈvʌŋkjʊlɚ/ a) In the manner of an uncle, pertaining to an uncle. Both uncle Frank and uncle Stephen Austen had made it a point of principle to be rigorously unsentimental in the discharge of their avuncular obligations. b)… … Wiktionary
avuncular — adjective Etymology: Latin avunculus maternal uncle more at uncle Date: 1831 1. of or relating to an uncle 2. suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality < avuncular indulgence > • avuncularity … New Collegiate Dictionary
avuncular — avuncularity, n. avuncularly, adv. /euh vung kyeuh leuhr/, adj. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an uncle: avuncular affection. [1825 35; < L avuncul(us) a mother s brother, equiv. to av(us) a forefather + * ont + * l(os) dim. suffix (cf.… … Universalium
avuncular — a|vun|cu|lar [əˈvʌŋkjulə US ər] adj [Date: 1800 1900; : Latin; Origin: avunculus; UNCLE] behaving in a kind and nice way to someone who is younger, rather like an uncle ▪ an avuncular pat on the shoulder … Dictionary of contemporary English
avuncular — a|vun|cu|lar [ ə vʌŋkjələr ] adjective an avuncular man is kind and helpful to younger or less experienced people … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
