Main Entry:

¹ef·fem·i·nate

Pronunciation:

\-nət\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin effeminatus, from past participle of effeminare to make effeminate, from ex- + femina woman — more at feminine

Date:

15th century

1 : having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner 2 : marked by an unbecoming delicacy or overrefinement <effeminate art> <an effeminate civilization>