Noun: cognation kóg'ney-shun
- (anthropology) the condition of being related by blood
"In some cultures, cognation is an important factor in determining marriage eligibility";
- consanguinity, blood kinship
- Line of descent traced through the maternal side of the family
"In some cultures, property is passed down through the cognation";
- matrilineage, enation
Derived forms: cognations
Type of: family relationship, kinship, relationship, unilateral descent
Antonym: affinity
Encyclopedia: Cognation