As a noun, "female" isn't very precise. It could refer to a goose, bitch, cow, blossom, or connector.

"Woman" is an adult female human, and how adult female humans in their 20s and 30s refer to each other ("women's poker night.") "Girl" is the preferred term among women in their 40s and above ("going fishing with the girls.") Nobody knows why this is.

"Woman" as an adjective is usually used to designate a noun that isn't culturally associated with women ("woman president," "woman astronaut," "woman physicist.") Laika was a female astronaut. Just goes to show you, if you're female, you have to be really careful in your career choice.

Love, Columbine