— maleness , n.
/mayl/ , n.
1. a person bearing an X and Y chromosome pair in the cell nuclei and normally having a penis, scrotum, and testicles, and developing hair on the face at adolescence; a boy or man.
2. an organism of the sex or sexual phase that normally produces a sperm cell or male gamete.
3. Bot. a staminate plant.
adj.
4. of, pertaining to, or being a male animal or plant.
5. pertaining to or characteristic of a male person; masculine: a male voice.
6. composed of males: a male choir.
7. Bot.
a. designating or pertaining to a plant or its reproductive structure producing or containing microspores.
b. (of seed plants) staminate.
8. Mach. made to fit into a corresponding open or recessed part: a male plug. Cf. female (def. 8).
[ 1300-50; ME ma ( s ) le masculus. See MASCULINE ]
Syn. 1. See man. 4-7. MALE, MASCULINE, VIRILE are adjectives that describe men and boys or attributes and conduct culturally ascribed to them. MALE, which is applied to plants and animals as well as to human beings, is a biological or physiological descriptor, classifying individuals on the basis of their potential or actual ability to inseminate in bisexual reproduction. It contrasts with FEMALE in all such uses: his oldest male relative; the male parts of the flower.
MASCULINE refers essentially to qualities, characteristics, or behaviors deemed by a culture or society to be especially appropriate to or ideally associated with men and boys. In American and Western European culture, these have traditionally included features such as strength, forthrightness, and courage: a firm, masculine handshake; a masculine impatience at indecision. VIRILE implies a vigor and muscularity associated with mature manhood and often carries a suggestion of sexual or procreative potency: his virile good looks; a swaggering, virile walk. See also manly .
Ant . female.