Main Entry: ²male

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 a (1) : of, relating to, or being the sex that produces gametes which fertilize the eggs of a female (2) : staminate; especially : having only staminate flowers and not producing fruit or seeds <a male holly> b (1) : of, relating to, or characteristic of the male sex <a deep male voice> (2) : made up of usually adult male individuals <a male choir>
2 : masculine 3a
3 : designed with a projecting part for fitting into a corresponding female part <male hose coupling>

— male·ness \-nəs\ noun