Dictionary > Effete

Effete

Effete
no longer capable of producing young, as an animal, or fruit, as the earth; hence, worn out with age; exhausted of energy; incapable of efficient action; no longer productive; barren; sterile. Effete results from virile efforts. (Mrs. Browning) If they find the old governments effete, worn out, . . . They may seek new ones. (Burke)
Origin: L. Effetus that has brought forth, exhausted; ex – foetus that has brought forth. See foetus.


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