Definitions

1. adjective

Of or relating to the principle of descent from a common ancestor on either the mother’s or father’s side.

“The cognatic system of inheritance is used in many cultures around the world.”

2. noun

A system of descent in which a person’s status is determined by both their father and mother.

“The study of kinship systems revealed that the tribe used a cognatic system of inheritance.”

3. noun

A system of descent that is based on the principle of equal importance of both the father’s and the mother’s lineages.

“The cognatic system is often seen in societies with matrilineal or bilateral kinship systems.”