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Webster 1913 Edition


Avuncular

A-vun′cu-lar

,
Adj.
[L.
avunculus
uncle.]
Of or pertaining to an uncle.
In these rare instances, the law of pedigree, whether direct or
avuncular
, gives way.
I. Taylor.

Definition 2024


avuncular

avuncular

English

Adjective

avuncular (comparative more avuncular, superlative most avuncular)

  1. In the manner of an uncle, pertaining to an uncle.
    • 1997, David Nokes, Jane Austen: A Life:
      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.
  2. (by extension) Kind, genial, benevolent, or tolerant.
    • 2003, Vicki Croke, "New leader of the MSPCA moves to tame budget woes," Boston Globe, September 20:
      Thornton's reputation was that of a soft-hearted and avuncular veterinarian known for getting teary-eyed while listening to even slightly sentimental stories.
    • 1987, William Schneider, "The New Shape of American Politics," The Atlantic, January:
      A man with such a nice, avuncular personality would not blow up the world.

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