Femelle

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. A term used to designate a female of a species or organism, often in biological contexts
2. Referring to the gender distinction within certain species, highlighting the female counterpart in comparison to the male
3. Identifying a female individual, particularly in taxonomy or zoology, where sex differentiation is relevant

Etymology: The French "femelle" descends from Latin "femella," a diminutive of "femina," meaning "woman." The word therefore began as something like "little woman," though the diminutive force faded long ago. Its sense was extended from people to animals, which is why the French word is used so naturally for the sex of a bird, dog, or insect. English "female" was borrowed from Old French "femele," a close relative of "femelle." Its spelling was then reshaped to resemble "male," probably through the influence of the opposing term, so the two words look like a matched pair even though their roots are unrelated.

Synonyms: female, woman, lady, womanly

Antonyms: male, man, masculine