CultureSeptember 1, 2026

masculinization

MAS-kyuh-luh-nuh-ZAY-shun

Definition

The process of developing physical characteristics, traits, or bodily features typically associated with men or the male sex.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'masculus' (meaning male or masculine) combined with the suffix '-ize' and the noun-forming suffix '-ation', which together describe the action or process of making something masculine.

In the news

In this article, the term describes the medical surgery performed on Layshia Clarendon to remove breast tissue, which aligns their physical appearance with their nonbinary identity.

Why the WNBA is ground zero for America's culture wars

Read the full article ↗

WBUR

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