epicene
lacking the typical characteristics of a particular gender or sex; sexless: Fashions in clothing are becoming increasingly epicene.
effeminate; unmasculine.
(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.”
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.
a person or thing that is epicene.
Origin of epicene
1Other words from epicene
- ep·i·cen·ism, noun
Words Nearby epicene
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use epicene in a sentence
The courtiers were an effete and in some cases epicene crew.
In English grammar there are no true epicene nouns, but the term is sometimes used instead of common gender.
The latest development of the impulses which animate the epicene sex has taken its expression in after-dinner oratory.
The Girl of the Period and Other Social Essays, Vol. II (of 2) | Eliza Lynn LintonThis seemed to him an odd way to look at things, and he boggled over a phrase about an "epicene lily."
Huntingtower | John BuchanWhat's the meaning of this; and what, may I ask, is the intention of this—this epicene attire?
Stalky & Co. | Rudyard Kipling
He was a great contrast to the epicene bird-like creature who had lorded it over the civic fortunes of Valladolid.
The American Egypt | Channing Arnold
British Dictionary definitions for epicene
/ (ˈɛpɪˌsiːn) /
having the characteristics of both sexes; hermaphroditic
of neither sex; sexless
effeminate
grammar
denoting a noun that may refer to a male or a female, such as teacher as opposed to businessman or shepherd
(in Latin, Greek, etc) denoting a noun that retains the same grammatical gender regardless of the sex of the referent
an epicene person or creature
an epicene noun
Origin of epicene
1Derived forms of epicene
- epicenism, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse