virile
vir·ile
adj\ˈvir-əl, ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l, British also ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l\
Definition of VIRILE
1
: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male; specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation
3
a : characteristic of or associated with men : masculine b : having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree
— vir·ile·ly adverb
See Examples of VIRILE
- <men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting>
Origin of VIRILE
Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to VIRILE
Antonyms: unmanly, unmasculine
Related Words: hairy-chested, hypermasculine, macho, ultramasculine; boyish, hoydenish, tomboyish; Amazonian, butch
Near Antonyms: metrosexual, unmacho; effeminate, girlish, sissified, sissy; feminine, womanish, womanlike, womanly; emasculated, impotent, weakened; androgynous, neuter
Other Physiology Terms
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