Definition of promiscuous

Email this page to a friend

< promiscuity

promise >

pro·mis·cu·ous    (pr-msky-s) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Having casual sexual relations frequently with different partners; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners.
2. Lacking standards of selection; indiscriminate.
3. Casual; random.
4. Consisting of diverse, unrelated parts or individuals; confused: "Throngs promiscuous strew the level green" (Alexander Pope).

---

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin prmiscuus, possessed equally : pr-, intensive pref. ; see pro-¹ + miscre, to mix; see meik- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
pro·miscu·ous·ly(Adverb), pro·miscu·ous·ness(Noun)