Definition: Nonmaternally is a term that describes something or someone who has not been born into the traditional family structure of matrilineal descent. In other words, it refers to individuals who have no direct line of descent from their parents and are therefore considered "nonmaternal." This can happen in various ways, such as through adoption, illegitimate birth, or adoption of a child by an individual without direct lineage. Nonmaternally also refers to those who have been born into the family