avunculate

Plural: avunculates

Noun

The relationship between a man and his sister's children, generally her sons.
Among certain tribal peoples, for example, the Korowai, a special relationship between a man and a maternal uncle, and the mutual responsibilities between them.

Adj

Pertaining to a society where the avunculate is of central importance.
Pertaining to a marriage to one's aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.

Examples

avunculate marriage
avunculate society

Origin / Etymology

From Latin avunculus (“uncle”).

Scrabble Score: 15

avunculate: not valid in Scrabble (US) TWL Dictionary
avunculate: not valid in Scrabble (MW) Merriam-Webster Dictionary
avunculate: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

avunculate: valid Words With Friends Word