Main Entry: ef·fete

Pronunciation: \e-ˈfēt, i-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin effetus, from ex- + fetus fruitful — more at feminine

Date: 1660

1 : no longer fertile
2 a : having lost character, vitality, or strength <the effete monarchies…of feudal Europe — G. M. Trevelyan> b : marked by weakness or decadence <the effete East> c : soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence <peddled…trendy tweeds to effete Easterners — William Helmer> <effete tenderfeet>; also : characteristic of an effete person <a wool scarf…a bit effete on an outdoorsman — Nelson Bryant>
3 : effeminate 1 <a good-humored, effete boy brought up by maiden aunts — Herman Wouk>

— ef·fete·ly adverb

— ef·fete·ness noun