male
having or relating to a gender identity that corresponds to a complex, variable set of social and cultural roles, traits, and behaviors assigned to people of the sex that typically produces sperm cells. : See Usage note at gender1
Biology. of, relating to, or being an animal or human of the sex or sexual phase that normally produces sperm cells during reproduction.: See Usage note at sex1
Botany. designating or relating to a plant or its reproductive structure producing or containing microspores.
Botany. (of seed plants) staminate.
of, relating to, or characteristic of a male person; masculine: a male voice.
comprising male people: a male choir.
Machinery. made to fit into a corresponding open or recessed part: a male plug.: Compare female (def. 5).
a male person.
Biology. an animal, plant, or plant structure that normally produces sperm cells as part of the process of reproduction.
Origin of male
1synonym study For male
Opposites for male
Other words from male
- male·ness, noun
- an·ti·male, noun, adjective
- in·ter·male, adjective
- su·per·male, noun
Words that may be confused with male
Other definitions for Male (2 of 3)
a city in and the capital of the Maldives.
British Dictionary definitions for male (1 of 2)
/ (meɪl) /
of, relating to, or designating the sex producing gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
of, relating to, or characteristic of a man; masculine
for or composed of men or boys: a male choir
(of gametes) capable of fertilizing an egg cell in sexual reproduction
(of reproductive organs, such as a testis or stamen) capable of producing male gametes
(of flowers) bearing stamens but lacking a functional pistil
electronics mechanical engineering having a projecting part or parts that fit into a female counterpart: a male plug
a male person, animal, or plant
Origin of male
1Derived forms of male
- maleness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for Malé (2 of 2)
/ (ˈmɑːleɪ) /
the capital of the Republic of Maldives, on Malé Island in the centre of the island group. Pop: 90 000 (2005 est)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for male
[ māl ]
In organisms that reproduce sexually, being the gamete that is smaller and more motile than the other corresponding gamete of the same species (the female gamete). The sperm cells of higher animals and plants are male gametes.
Possessing or being a structure that produces only male gametes. The testicles of humans are male reproductive organs. Male flowers possess only stamens and no carpels.
A male organism.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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