An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Of, relating to, or being the sex that typically has the capacity to bear offsprings or produce eggs.

   2. A female person, animal, or plant.

Etymology (EN): M.E., alteration of femel, femelle, from O.Fr. femelle “woman, female,” from M.L. femella “a female,” from L. femella “young female, girl,” diminutive of femina “woman, a female,” → feminine.

Etymology (PE): Mâdé “female,” from Mid.Pers. mâdag, “female,” from mâd, → mother.