What does virilising mean?
Virilising refers to the process or quality of becoming more masculine or male. This can be caused by hormonal changes, environmental influences, or other factors. In medical contexts, virilising often refers to the development of male characteristics in individuals with certain conditions. In other contexts, it may refer to the promotion of masculinity or male dominance. The term is often used in discussions of gender identity, sex development, and the social and cultural construction of masculinity. Virilising can have significant effects on an individual's physical appearance, behavior, and social interactions. It is an important concept in fields such as endocrinology, psychology, and sociology.
adjectiveHaving the quality of being masculine or male; causing or tending to cause the development of male characteristics.
- Having the quality of being masculine or male; causing or tending to cause the development of male characteristics.
"The virilising effects of the hormone led to a significant change in the patient's physical appearance."
"The virilising effects of the hormone led to a significant change in the patient's physical appearance."
"The virilising influence of the environment was evident in the way the children played."
In medical contexts, the plural form 'virilisings' is used to describe the development of male characteristics in multiple individuals.
"The virilisings effects of the hormone were evident in the physical appearance of the patients."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of virilising
The word 'virilising' is derived from the Latin word 'virilis', meaning 'manly' or 'masculine'. It is related to the word 'virile', which refers to the quality of being masculine or male. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the process or quality of becoming more masculine or male.
Usage notes
In medical contexts, virilising often refers to the development of male characteristics in individuals with conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or androgen insensitivity syndrome. In other contexts, it may refer to the promotion of masculinity or male dominance.