| 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. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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