Category:Effete

Ef*fete", a. Etym: [L. effetus that has brought forth, exhausted; ex + fetus that has brought forth. See Fetus.]

Defn: 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.