Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

effemination

 - 4 dictionary results

ef⋅fem⋅i⋅nate

  [adj. i-fem-uh-nit; v. i-fem-uh-neyt] adjective, verb, -nat⋅ed, -nat⋅ing.
Use effemination in a Sentence
–adjective
1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy.
2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
3. to make or become effeminate.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < L effēminātus, equiv. to ef- ef- + fēmin(a) woman + -ātus -ate 1

Related forms:
ef⋅fem⋅i⋅nate⋅ly, adverb
ef⋅fem⋅i⋅nate⋅ness, noun
ef⋅fem⋅i⋅na⋅tion, noun

Synonyms:
1. See female.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To effemination
Word Origin & History

effeminate 
c.1430, from L. effeminatus, pp. of effeminare "make a woman of," from ex- "out" + femina "woman" (see feminine). Rarely used without reproach.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ef·fem·i·na·tion
Pronunciation: &-"fem-&-'nA-sh&n
Function: noun
: the taking on by a man of the mentalcharacteristics (as passivity) traditionally associated with women
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

effemination ef·fem·i·na·tion (ĭ-fěm'ə-nā'shən)
n.
The acquisition of feminine characteristics, either physiologically by women, or pathologically by persons of either sex.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see effemination on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way