transcription, транскрипция: [ e-ˈfēt, i- ]
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