metronymy

mɛˈtrɒnɪmi

Definitions

1. noun

The practice of referring to a woman by her husband’s name, especially as a surname, or the use of the husband’s name to signify descent or origin.

“The anthropologist studied the ancient culture’s practice of metronymy, where women would be referred to by their husband’s name.”

Synonyms

  • agnatic
  • patronymic

Antonyms

  • matronymic