viraginous

English

WOTD – 20 April 2009

Etymology

From virago, from Latin virāgō (“maiden warrior”) (with the ending as if from Latin virāgīnus with -īnus).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /vɪˈɹæd͡ʒ.ɪn.əs/
• (US) IPA^(key): /vɪˈɹæ.d͡ʒɪn.əs/, /vɪˈɹæd͡ʒ.ən.əs/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Adjective

viraginous (comparative more viraginous, superlative most viraginous)

1. Resembling an overbearing woman; shrew-like.
   • 2008 May 18, Peggy Orenstein, “The Hillary Lesson”, in New York Times‎^[1]:

     A yellow, viraginous caricature of Hillary Clinton leered out from a black background.

2. Resembling an Amazon; of a woman with great bravery, strength, or stature.

Related terms

• viraginity
• virago

Translations

resembling an overbearing woman

resembling an Amazon