epicene — Having characteristics of both sexes, or lacking distinctly male or female characteristics; also used in grammar for a word form common to both genders
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Having characteristics of both sexes, or lacking distinctly male or female characteristics; also used in grammar for a word form common to both genders
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛpɪˌsiːn/
Example Sentences
- The alien in the sci-fi movie had such an epicene design that half the audience argued it was 'he' and the other half insisted 'she.'
- Old English had epicene pronouns that could refer to either men or women without distinction.
- My cat's name is so epicene that even the vet keeps asking if it's a boy or a girl.
epicene
ADJECTIVE[/ˈɛpɪˌsiːn/]
Having characteristics of both sexes, or lacking distinctly male or female characteristics; also used in grammar for a word form common to both genders
The model's epicene look blurred the line between masculine and feminine on the runway.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek epikoinos meaning 'common to both,' via Latin epicoenus, originally a grammatical term for words shared by both genders.
Breakdown
epi- (upon, in addition to) + koinos/coen- (common) + -e (adjective ending)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The alien in the sci-fi movie had such an epicene design that half the audience argued it was 'he' and the other half insisted 'she.'”
“Old English had epicene pronouns that could refer to either men or women without distinction.”
“My cat's name is so epicene that even the vet keeps asking if it's a boy or a girl.”
“The fashion designer is famous for creating epicene clothing lines that anyone can wear regardless of gender.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.