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