female (adj.)

although it is preferable to use "woman" or "women" as adjectives (when it is necessary), there are times when "female" seems more appropriate. Use it, however, only when you would use "male" in a similar situation or when it is necessary for clarification; sex-specific adjectives are often gratuitous and belittling (one sees "female lawyer" but not "male doctor"). Watch especially for nonparallel usage ("two technicians and a female mechanic"). "Female" is not linguistically derived from, nor in any way related to, "male." See also female (n.).