Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to the sex that produces sperm: Used to describe organisms (animals, plants, humans) that produce male gametes (spermatozoa) capable of fertilizing female gametes.
   • Characteristic of or appropriate for men or boys: Pertaining to qualities, roles, or items traditionally associated with men or masculinity.

2. Noun:

   • An organism of the male sex: A person, animal, or plant that belongs to the sex which produces sperm.
   • (Proper noun) The capital city of the Maldives: A specific geographical location.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The male lion has a large mane. (Describing an animal of the sex that produces sperm.)
  • He has a deep male voice. (Describing a characteristic typical of men.)
  • This is a male holly tree. (Describing a plant that produces pollen.)

• Noun:

  • The male is responsible for guarding the nest. (Referring to an animal of the male sex.)
  • The committee consisted of three females and two males. (Referring to human men.)
  • We flew into Male International Airport. (Referring to the capital city.)

Advanced Usage

• In biology and taxonomy: Used to specify the sex of an organism in scientific contexts.
  • The researcher studied the behavior of the male of the species.
• In sociology and gender studies: Used to discuss social and cultural constructs related to men.
  • The study examined traditional male roles in society.

Variants and Related Words

• Masculine (adj): Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with men.
  • He has a very masculine physique.
• Man (n): An adult human male.
  • The man opened the door.
• Boy (n): A male child or young man.
  • The boy is playing football.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Masculine, manly.
• Noun: Man, boy (for humans); sire, bull, cock, ram, etc. (for specific animals).

Antonyms

• Female (adj & n): Of or relating to the sex that can bear offspring or produce eggs.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Male chauvinist: A man who believes men are superior to women.
  • He was accused of being a male chauvinist.
• Male-dominated: Controlled or predominantly populated by men.
  • It is a male-dominated industry.
• Alpha male: The dominant male in a group.
  • The alpha male leads the pack.

Adjective

1. for or pertaining to or composed of men or boys
   • the male lead
   • the male population
2. characteristic of a man
   • a deep male voice
   • manly sports
3. being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that perform the fertilizing function in generation
   • a male infant
   • a male holly tree

Noun

1. the capital of Maldives in the center of the islands
2. a person who belongs to the sex that cannot have babies
3. an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)