adj.
Pronunciation: e- ' f ē t, i-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin effetus, from ex- + fetus fruitful ― more at FEMININE
Date: 1660
1 : no longer fertile
2 a : having lost character, vitality, or strength <the effete monarchies ⋯ of feudal Europe ― G. M. Trevelyan> b : marked by weakness or decadence <the effete East> c : soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence <peddled ⋯ trendy tweeds to effete Easterners ― William Helmer> < effete tenderfeet> also : characteristic of an effete person <a wool scarf ⋯ a bit effete on an outdoorsman ― Nelson Bryant>
3 : EFFEMINATE 1 <a good-humored, effete boy brought up by maiden aunts ― Herman Wouk>
– ef · fete · ly adverb
– ef · fete · ness noun