epicene

[ ep-i-seen ]

adjective

1. lacking the typical characteristics of a particular gender or sex; sexless:

   Fashions in clothing are becoming increasingly epicene.

2. flaccid; feeble; weak:

   an epicene style of writing.

3. effeminate; unmasculine.
4. (of Greek and Latin nouns) of the same gender class regardless of the sex of the individual referred to, as the grammatically feminine Latin vulpēs “fox.”
5. Grammar. (of a noun or pronoun) capable of referring to any individual regardless of sex, as attendant, chairperson, Pat, one, or they; having common gender.

noun

1. a person or thing that is epicene.

epicene

/ ˈɛpɪˌsiːn /

adjective

1. having the characteristics of both sexes; hermaphroditic
2. of neither sex; sexless
3. effeminate
4. grammar
   1. denoting a noun that may refer to a male or a female, such as teacher as opposed to businessman or shepherd
   2. (in Latin, Greek, etc) denoting a noun that retains the same grammatical gender regardless of the sex of the referent

noun

1. an epicene person or creature
2. an epicene noun

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈcenism, noun

Other Words From

• epi·cenism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicene¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin epicoenus “of both genders,” from Greek epíkoinos “common to many,” equivalent to epi- epi- + koinós “common”

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicene¹

C15: from Latin epicoenus of both genders, from Greek epikoinos common to many, from koinos common

Example Sentences

The courtiers were an effete and in some cases epicene crew.

From The Daily Beast

In English grammar there are no true epicene nouns, but the term is sometimes used instead of common gender.

From Project Gutenberg

The latest development of the impulses which animate the epicene sex has taken its expression in after-dinner oratory.

From Project Gutenberg

This seemed to him an odd way to look at things, and he boggled over a phrase about an "epicene lily."

From Project Gutenberg

What's the meaning of this; and what, may I ask, is the intention of this—this epicene attire?

From Project Gutenberg

He was a great contrast to the epicene bird-like creature who had lorded it over the civic fortunes of Valladolid.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• effeminate
• unmanful
• unmanlike
• unmanly
• unmasculine