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adj. 1. Having casual sexual relations frequently with different partners; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners. 2. a. Lacking standards of selection; acting without careful judgment; indiscriminate: criticized him for being promiscuous in his friendships. b. Showing little forethought or critical judgment; casual: the promiscuous use of the word "populism." 3. Consisting of diverse, unrelated parts or individuals; confused: "Throngs promiscuous strew the level green" (Alexander Pope). 4. Biology Having a variety of functions, targets, or hosts; nonselective: promiscuous enzymes; promiscuous drugs; a promiscuous parasite. [From Latin prōmiscuus, possessed equally : prō-, intensive pref.; see PRO-1 + miscēre, to mix; see meik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pro·miscu·ous·ly adv. pro·miscu·ous·ness n. |
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