/vir"euhl/ or, esp. Brit., /-uyl/ , adj.
1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or befitting a man; masculine; manly: virile strength.
2. having or exhibiting masculine energy, forcefulness, or strength in a marked degree.
3. characterized by a vigorous, masculine spirit: a virile literary style.
4. of, pertaining to, or capable of procreation.
[ 1480-90; virilis manly, equiv. to vir man (akin to OE wer man; see WEREWOLF) + -ilis -ILE ]
Syn. 2. vigorous. See male .