male
male definition
male (māl)
adjective
- designating or of the sex that fertilizes the ovum of the female and begets offspring: biological symbol, ♂
- of, characteristic of, or suitable for members of this sex; masculine; virile
- consisting of men or boys
- designating or having a part shaped to fit into a corresponding hollow part (called female): said of pipe fittings, electric plugs, etc.
- Bot.
- having stamens or antheridia and no carpels, archegonia, or oogonia
- designating or of a reproductive structure or part producing spermatozoids that can fertilize the female eggs
Etymology: ME < OFr male, masle < L masculus < mas (gen. maris), a male, man
noun
- a male person; man or boy
- a male animal or plant
Related Forms:
- maleness male′·ness noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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