Female

Definition

Female refers to the sex or gender of an organism, typically one that has the biological capability to produce offspring or eggs. In a broader context, it is used to identify women or characteristics associated with femininity.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfiːmeɪl/
• Respelling: FEE-mayl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfiːmeɪl/
• Respelling: FEE-mayl

Etymology

The word "female" originates from the Latin "femella," a diminutive of "femina" meaning "woman." It entered Middle English through Old French as "femelle." Despite similarities in spelling, it is unrelated to the word "male," which derives from a different Latin root.

Derivatives

• Femininity (noun)
• Feminine (adjective)
• Femaleness (noun)
• Feminism (noun)
• Feminist (noun/adjective)

Synonyms

• Woman
• Feminine
• Lady

Antonyms

• Male
• Masculine
• Man

Usage

The term "female" is widely used in biological, social, and cultural contexts. For example, "The female lion is the primary hunter in the pride," or "She is the first female to lead the organization."

Related Terms

• Sex: The biological distinction between male and female.
• Gender: A social and cultural concept related to roles and identity.
• Maternal: Pertaining to motherhood or related qualities.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An individual of the sex that produces eggs or bears offspring: Refers to biological distinctions in animals and humans.
  • Example: "The female lays eggs once a year."
• A woman or girl: Used in human contexts to describe gender.
  • Example: "The award was presented to a female artist."

Adjective

• Relating to the sex that produces eggs or offspring: Describes biological or anatomical characteristics.
  • Example: "Female mammals nurse their young."
• Characteristic of women or femininity: Pertains to qualities or roles traditionally associated with women.
  • Example: "Her style is distinctly female."