Kinnel: (noun) A
person who is not
related by blood, but
who shares a close
emotional bond with
someone as if they
were family. This could
include step-parents,
close family friends, or
others who have
become an important
part of someone's life.
Example: Even though
they were not related
by blood, John's
stepfather had been
such an important
part of his life that he
considered him to be
his kinnel.