VIRILE


Meaning of VIRILE in English

adj.

Pronunciation: ' vir- ə l, ' vir- ˌ ī (- ə )l, Brit also ' v ī (- ə )r- ˌ ī (- ə )l

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit v ī ra

Date: 15th century

1 : having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation

2 : ENERGETIC , VIGOROUS

3 a : characteristic of or associated with men : MASCULINE b : having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree

4 : MASTERFUL , FORCEFUL

– vir · ile · ly adverb

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.