epicene

• 形容具有两性特征或不分性别的；在语法中，指名词可指代任何性别的词（如通性名词）。

An adjective describing something that has characteristics of both sexes or is androgynous; also used in grammar for nouns that can refer to either gender.

1. Ambiguous sexual identityC2formal

   Having characteristics that are not distinctly male or female; androgynous.

   雌雄同体的

   • The actor's epicene appearance made the role more intriguing.
   • In ancient mythology, some deities are depicted as epicene.
   • The fashion model had an epicene beauty that defied gender norms.

   同义词androgynousunisex

   反义词femininemasculine

2. Effeminate qualitiesC2formal

   Having qualities traditionally considered feminine, often used in a derogatory sense for men.

   女人气的

   • His epicene mannerisms were mocked by his peers.
   • The critic described the character as epicene and weak.
   • Some historical texts use 'epicene' to criticize men for being too delicate.

   同义词effeminatefoppishgirlishmilksoppansysissifiedunmanlywomanish

   反义词manlymasculinevirile

• 指同时具有男性和女性性征或器官的人，出生时难以明确判定为男性或女性；也指具有两性特征的事物。

A noun referring to a person who has both male and female sexual characteristics or organs, where a clear assignment of male or female cannot be made at birth.

1. Intersex personC1formalmedical

   A person who has both male and female reproductive organs or ambiguous sexual characteristics, making it impossible to assign a singular sex at birth.

   间性人

   • The ancient Greeks sometimes considered hermaphrodites and epicenes as divine beings.
   • The documentary features stories of epicenes and their fight for legal recognition.
   • In some cultures, epicenes were believed to possess special spiritual powers.
   • Modern medicine now uses the term intersex rather than epicene to describe such individuals.

   同义词intersexintersexual

2. Gender-neutral nounC2formal

   In linguistics, a noun that has a single form for both genders, such as 'teacher' in English or certain words in other languages.

   通性名词

   • In Latin, many animal names are epicene, like 'aquila' (eagle) which is feminine regardless of the bird's sex.
   • Linguists classify 'child' as an epicene noun because it does not change form when referring to boys or girls.
   • Epicene nouns are distinct from common-gender nouns in that they have a fixed grammatical gender irrespective of the referent's sex.
   • The grammar of the language includes rules for epicene nouns that can refer to both men and women.