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 3a3: designed with a projecting part for fitting into a corresponding female part <male hose coupling>

— male·ness \-nəs\ noun