female

female [fē′māl΄]

adj.

[ME, altered after MALE < femelle < OFr < L femella, dim. of femina, a woman < IE base * dhē-, to suck, suckle > L felare, to suck, filius, son, fetus, progeny, Gr thēlazein, to suckle, thele, nipple]

1. designating or of the sex that produces ova and bears offspring: biological symbol, ♀: cf. MALE

2. of, characteristic of, or suitable to members of this sex; feminine

3. consisting of women or girls

4. designating or having a hollow part shaped to receive a corresponding inserted part (called male): said of pipe fittings, electric sockets, etc.

5. Bot.

a) having pistils, archegonia, or oogonia and no stamens or antheridia

b) designating or of a reproductive structure or part containing large gametes (eggs) that can be fertilized by smaller, motile gametes (sperms)

c) designating or of any structure or part that produces fruit after it is fertilized

n.

1. a female person; woman or girl

2. a female animal or plant

SYN.- WOMAN

femaleness

n.

SYN.- FEMALE is the basic term applied to members of the sex that is biologically distinguished from the male sex and is used of animals or plants as well as of human beings; FEMININE is now the preferred term for references, other than those basically biological, to qualities thought to be characteristic of or suitable to women, as delicacy, gentleness, etc.; WOMANLY suggests the noble qualities one associates with a woman, esp. one who has maturity of character; WOMANISH, in contrast, suggests the weaknesses and faults that are regarded as characteristic of women; EFFEMINATE, used chiefly in reference to a man, implies delicacy, softness, or lack of virility; LADYLIKE refers to manners, conduct, etc. such as are expected from a refined or well-bred woman

-ANT. MALE, MASCULINE, MANLY, MANNISH