male
1. male \'ma-(*)l\ \-n*s\ aj [ME, fr. MF masle, male, adj. & n., fr. L
masculus, dim. of (Xmar-, mas male 1a1: of, relating to, or being the sex
that begets young by performing the fertilizing function in generation by
producing relatively small usu. motile gametes (as sperms, spermatozoids,
spermatozoa) by which the eggs of a female are made fertile {~ organs} 1a2:
STAMINATE; esp : having only staminate flowers and not producing fruit or
seeds {a ~ holly} 1b1: of, relating to, or characteristic of the male sex
{a deep ~ voice} {full of ~ energy} 1b2: made up of male individuals and
esp. men {a ~ choir} 2: MASCULINE 3: designed for fitting into a
corresponding hollow part L, VIRILE: MALE applies to animals and plants as
well as to human beings and always indicates sex; MASCULINE suggests
qualities distinguishing men from women; MANLY suggests the admirable
qualitites of a mature man and applies esp. to youth; MANLIKE suggests the
characteristic qualities of men and particularly applies to masculine
foibles; MANFUL is somewhat narrower in scope than MANLY in stressing
courage and resolution; VIRILE differs from MANLY in stressing driving
energy, aggressiveness, or male sexuality - male.ness n SYN syn MASCULINE,
MANLY, MANLIKE, MANNISH, MANFU
2. male n : a plant or animal that is male