lineal

[lin-ee-uhl]

adjective

1. being in the direct line, as a descendant or ancestor, or in a direct line, as descent or succession.

2. of or transmitted by lineal descent.

3. linear.

lineal

/ ˈlɪnɪəl /

adjective

1. being in a direct line of descent from an ancestor

2. of, involving, or derived from direct descent

3. a less common word for linear

Other Word Forms

• lineally adverb
• multilineal adjective
• nonlineal adjective
• unlineal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lineal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word līneālis. See line ¹, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lineal¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin līneālis, from Latin līnea _line ¹

Example Sentences

The United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, was a lineal descendant of the Marshall Plan and an embodiment of soft power.

From Salon

Each tribe determines its own enrollment, but a common requirement is lineal descendancy from someone on the tribal roll.

From Seattle Times

Such research can rediscover people’s names and families to possibly identify any living lineal descendants, as well as inform repatriation claims made by self-identified descendant communities.

From Science Magazine

Tuesday, the state Senate voted 31-5 to approve a bill that would redefine “ancestry” to include “lineal descent, heritage, parentage, caste, or any inherited social status.”

From Seattle Times

"Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special."

From BBC

Related Words

• consecutive 
• nonstop 
• short 
• smooth 
• solid 
• straightforward 
• successive 
• true