rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryparentalRelating to parents
adjective

parental

puh-REN-tul/pəˈrentl/

Relating to a mother, father, or caregiving guardian.

The parents share parental care as they feed the infant.

A mother and father jointly care for their infant: the mother cradles and bottle-feeds the baby while the father supports the baby's feet and gently wipes a dribble from its chin.
Etymology
parentLatinmother or father
+alLatinrelating to

Latin parens names a mother or father and originally describes someone who brings a child forth. The adjective ending makes parental apply to what belongs to or characterizes parents.

In context

Khan Academy1:14
and able to reproduce, another behavior that you will see amongst animals that will increase the chances that their offspring will survive, and then be able to reproduce themselves is parental care, or behaviors that protect offspring from predators.
Animal behavior and offspring success | Middle school biology | Khan Academy

More examples

  • The school requested parental consent.
  • He took parental leave.
  • They discussed parental responsibilities.

Forms

parental

parent noun — a mother or father

Similar words

maternal
Relates specifically to a mother.
paternal
Relates specifically to a father.