fil|i|a|tion «FIHL ee AY shuhn», noun.
1. the relation of one thing to another from which it may be said to be descended or derived: »
The institutions of modern Europe are derived by more direct filiation from those of Rome (Charles Merivale).
2. a) the fact of being the child of a specified parent. b) a person's parentage.
3. a) formation of branches or offshoots. b) a branch or offshoot of a society or language.
4. the assigning of the paternity of a child (usually illegitimate) to some person.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.