ˈvirə̇l, chiefly Brit -iˌrīl adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, adult male + -ilis -ile; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, husband, Old Norse verr, Gothic wair, Sanskrit vīra man, hero, and probably to Latin vis strength — more at vim
1.
a. : having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male
b. : characteristic of developed manhood ; specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation
2. : characterized by energy and drive considered typically male
existence of a virile and ever stronger free society in our country — J.E.Allen
described the inhabitants as an alert virile efficient people — P.E.James
3. : characteristically belonging to or associated with men : masculine
considered caps the only virile form of headgear for a fellow — A.J.Liebling
frowned around a virile pipe — Berton Roueché
4. : marked by unusual strength and vigor : decisive , forceful
talked with the virile diction of a Yankee — Margaret Long
translated into virile tense American verse — Dudley Fitts
Synonyms: see male