The difference between Distaff and Maternal
When used as adjectives, distaff means of, relating to, or characteristic of women, whereas maternal means of or pertaining to a mother.
Distaff is also noun with the meaning: a device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. a traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (as indicated by the etymology of the word), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.
check bellow for the other definitions of Distaff and Maternal
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Distaff as a noun:
A device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. A traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (as indicated by the etymology of the word), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.
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Distaff as a noun:
The part of a spinning wheel from which fibre is drawn to be spun.
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Distaff as a noun:
Anything traditionally done by or considered of importance to women only.
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Distaff as a noun:
A race for female horses only.
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Distaff as a noun:
A woman, or women considered as a group.
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Distaff as an adjective:
Of, relating to, or characteristic of women.
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Distaff as an adjective:
Of the maternal side of a family.
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Maternal as an adjective:
Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother, motherly.
Examples:
"His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts."
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Maternal as an adjective (, attributive):
Related through the mother, or her side of the family.
Examples:
"Toby is my maternal uncle."
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Maternal as an adjective (anatomy, medicine):
Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.