effete
[ ih-feet ]
/ ɪˈfit /
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adjective
lacking in wholesome vigor; degenerate; decadent: an effete, overrefined society.
exhausted of vigor or energy; worn out: an effete political force.
unable to produce; sterile.
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Origin of effete
OTHER WORDS FROM effete
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH effete
effeminate, effete , feminine, womanish, womanlyWords nearby effete
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for effete
British Dictionary definitions for effete
effete
/ (ɪˈfiːt) /
adjective
weak, ineffectual, or decadent as a result of overrefinementan effete academic
exhausted of vitality or strength; worn out; spent
(of animals or plants) no longer capable of reproduction
Derived forms of effete
effetely, adverbeffeteness, nounWord Origin for effete
C17: from Latin effētus having produced young, hence, exhausted by bearing, from fētus having brought forth; see fetus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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