female

fe•male

[[t]ˈfi meɪl[/t]] n.

1) dvl a person of the sex whose cell nuclei contain twoXchromosomes and who is normally able to conceive and bear young; a girl or woman

2) dvl any organism of the sex or sexual phase that normally produces egg cells

3) bot a plant having a pistil or pistils

4) cvb dvl of, pertaining to, or being a female:

female organs; a female mammal[/ex]

5) of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a girl or woman; feminine:

female wisdom[/ex]

6) off-cvb composed of females:

a female readership[/ex]

7) bot

a) designating or pertaining to a plant or the reproductive structure of a plant that produces or contains elements capable of being fertilized

b) bot (of seed plants) pistillate

8) mac being or having a recessed part into which a corresponding part fits: a female plug

Compare male 8)

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Etymology: 1275–1325; ME, var. (by assoc. with male) of femelle < AF, OF femel(l) e < L fēmella, dim. of fēmina woman (see -elle) fe′male•ness, n. syn: female, feminine, effeminate describe women and girls or whatever is culturally attributed to them. female classifies individuals on the basis of their genetic makeup or their ability to produce offspring in sexual reproduction. It contrasts with male in all uses: her oldest female relative; the female parts of the flower. feminine refers to qualities and behavior deemed especially appropriate to or ideally associated with women and girls. In American and Western European culture, these have traditionally included such features as charm, gentleness, and patience: to dance with feminine grace; a feminine sensitivity to moods. feminine is sometimes used of physical features too: small, feminine hands. effeminate is most often applied derogatorily to men or boys, suggesting that they have traits culturally regarded as appropriate to women and girls rather than to men: an effeminate speaking style. See also woman, womanly