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epicene

adjective ep·i·cene \ ˈe-pə-ˌsēn \

Definition of epicene

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

epicene

noun
—

epicenism

play \ˈe-pə-ˌsē-ˌni-zəm, ˌe-pə-ˈsē-\ noun

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Examples of epicene in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of epicene from the Web

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.

Origin and Etymology of epicene

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

epicene Synonyms

Synonyms
effete, effeminate, sissified, sissy, unmanly, womanish
Antonyms
manlike, manly, mannish, masculine, virile
Related Words
feminine, girlish, girlie (or girly), womanlike, womanly; old-maidish, overnice, prissy, spinsterish; dandyish, dudish, foppish, sappy; camp, campy; antimacho

Learn More about epicene

  1. See words that rhyme with epicene Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for epicene

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Examples: epicene in a Sentence