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epicene

adjective
ep·​i·​cene | \ ˈe-pə-ˌsēn How to pronounce epicene (audio) \

Definition of epicene

1 of a noun : having but one form to indicate either sex
2a : having characteristics typical of the other sex
b : effeminate
3 : lacking characteristics of either sex
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Other Words from epicene

epicene noun
epicenism \ ˈe-​pə-​ˌsē-​ˌni-​zəm How to pronounce epicenism (audio) , ˌe-​pə-​ˈsē-​ \ noun

Examples of epicene in a Sentence

an ancient statue of a young man of graceful, epicene beauty

Recent Examples on the Web

 His name is Strat, and he is played with beguiling epicene virility and lungs of steel by the willowy Andrew Polec. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Regressing in London With Meat Loaf and Adrian Mole," 15 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epicene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of epicene

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for epicene

Middle English, from Latin epicoenus, from Greek epikoinos, from epi- + koinos common — more at co-

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Time Traveler for epicene

The first known use of epicene was in the 15th century

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with epicene

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for epicene

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