anile

1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-ˌnī(-ə)l  ˈā- 

often disparaging

: being or resembling an old woman : of or like that of an old woman

—often used to suggest qualities (such as foolishness or prudishness) or conditions (such as mental or physical decline) stereotypically associated with elderly women

anility

a-ˈni-lə-tē 

ā-, 

ə-

noun often disparaging

anility

2 of 2

noun

anil·​i·​ty ə-ˈni-lə-tē  a- 

ā-

plural -es

1

: the state of being an old woman

2

: an objectionable quality (as flightiness) felt to be typical of a doddering old woman

the utter anility of their political views

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin anilis, from anus old woman

Noun

Latin anilitas, from anilis + -tat-, -tas -ty

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1624, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anile

• annal
• annul
• cannel
• channel
• flannel
• panel
• pannel
• multichannel
• perianal