/an"zheuh nooh', -nyooh'/ ; Fr. /aonn zhay nyuu"/ , n. , pl. ingénues /-noohz', -nyoohz'/ ; Fr. /-nyuu"/ .
1. the part of an artless, innocent, unworldly girl or young woman, esp. as represented on the stage.
2. an actress who plays such a part or specializes in playing such parts.
Also, ingenue .
[ 1840-50; ingénu ingenuus native, inborn, etc.; see INGENUOUS ]