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female

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A female is defined as a person of the sex that produces eggs and can bear young.

(noun)

Julia Roberts is an example of a female.

The definition of female is something related to the sex that produces an egg and that can bear children, or the part of a machine, tool or fitting that is hollow so that the male end of the tool can be inserted.

(adjective)

Dresses are an example of something that would be described as female clothing.
The threaded opening that the protruding male end of a hose sticks into is an example of the female end of the hose.

See female in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

designating or of the sex that produces ova and bears offspring: biological symbol, ♀
of, characteristic of, or suitable to members of this sex; feminine
consisting of women or girls
designating or having a hollow part shaped to receive a corresponding inserted part (called male): said of pipe fittings, electric sockets, etc.
Bot.
1. having pistils, archegonia, or oogonia and no stamens or antheridia
2. designating or of a reproductive structure or part containing large gametes (eggs) that can be fertilized by smaller, motile gametes (sperms)
3. designating or of any structure or part that produces fruit after it is fertilized

Origin: ME, altered after male < femelle < OFr < L femella, dim. of femina, a woman < IE base *dhē-, to suck, suckle > L felare, to suck, filius, son, fetus, progeny, Gr thēlazein, to suckle, thele, nipple

noun

a female person; woman or girl
a female animal or plant

Related Forms:

femaleness noun

See female in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

a. Of or denoting the sex that produces ova or bears young.
b. Characteristic of or appropriate to this sex; feminine.
c. Consisting of members of this sex. See Usage Note at lady.
Botany
a. Designating an organ, such as a pistil or ovary, that functions in producing seeds after fertilization.
b. Bearing pistils but not stamens; pistillate: female flowers.
Having a recessed part, such as a slot or receptacle, designed to receive a complementary male part: the female section of an electrical outlet.