The quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive traditionally associated with men; masculine vigor and potency.
From Latin virilitas, derived from virilis meaning 'of a man' or 'masculine', which comes from vir meaning 'man' or 'male'. The concept has remained closely tied to traditional notions of masculinity since ancient Rome.
The Latin root 'vir' gives us many English words including 'virtue' (originally meaning 'manliness'), 'virtual', and 'virile'. Ancient Romans considered virility not just physical but also moral strength - a complete masculine ideal.
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