D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Effete

/ĕf-ēt'/ · Ef·fete · IPA /ɪˈfit/
01 a. No longer capable of producing young, as an animal, or fruit, as the earth; hence, worn out with age; exhausted of energy; incapable of eff…
  1. 1.
    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.