avuncular relationship

A general term for the genetic relationship between blood-related nieces/nephews and their aunts/uncles, in which they share one half the DNA that they would with a parent.

References in periodicals archive ?

South Africa displays an avuncular relationship with its much smaller BINS (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland) wards, an apology some suggest for its hugely superior size, wealth and overall regional economic dominance.

SACU windfall pulls kingdom back from the brink: Swaziland, the only surviving absolute monarchy in Africa, is also one of its most impoverished economies. A recent injection of capital from its membership of the regional customs union has allowed it to pull back from the brink of financial disaster. But how long will the windfall last? Tom Nevin reports

Richter's easy and avuncular relationship with Elgar is well illustrated by a letter in 1904 apologizing for not writing to congratulate the new knight, 'but was it possible for me to congratulate all the "Sirs" who are honoured by your companionship?