An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Characteristic of or appropriate or unique to women.
   

2. Of, relating to, or constituting the gender that ordinarily includes most words or grammatical forms referring to females (Merriam-Webster.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E. feminin, from O.Fr. femenin “feminine, female; with feminine qualities,” from L. femininus “feminine,” from femina “woman, female,” literally “she who suckles,” from root of felare “to suck, suckle;” cf. Gk. thele “mother’s breast, nipple,” thelys “female, fruitful;” Pers. dâyé, dâyah “(wet-nurse);” PIE root *d^he(i)- “to suck, suckle.”

Etymology (PE): Mâdin, from mâdé, → female.