male
UK: meɪl | US: meɪl
n. an organism of the sex that produces small, typically motile gametes (e.g., sperm in animals)
adj. relating to or characteristic of this sex
The word "male" originates from Old French masle (modern mâle), derived from Latin masculus (meaning "masculine, male"). While the Latin root mas- (as in masculus) is the primary source, the spelling "male" was influenced by the unrelated Latin malus ("bad"), creating a false association in Medieval Latin. Over time, the term shed its negative connotation and stabilized as a neutral biological designation.
The male lion is easily recognized by its mane.
The study compared male and female responses to stress.
Most birds have brightly colored males to attract mates.
Male fertility declines with age, though less sharply than female fertility.
The statue depicted a male figure holding a spear.