effete
effete definition
ef·fete (e fēt′, i-)
adjective
- no longer capable of producing; spent and sterile
- lacking vigor, force of character, moral stamina, etc.; decadent, soft, overrefined, etc.
Etymology: L effetus, that has brought forth offspring, exhausted < ex-, out + fetus, productive: for IE base see female
Related Forms:
- effetely ef·fete′ly adverb
- effeteness ef·fete′·ness noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comments
Improve this definition.
Browse dictionary definitions near effete
Share on Facebook