sex

sex · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (noun) Either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and most other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions.

  2. 2.

    (noun) Sexual activity, including specifically sexual intercourse.

  3. 3.

    (noun) Sexual instincts, desires, and their manifestation.

  4. 4.

    (verb) To determine the sex of an animal or plant.

Forms

plural: sexes

Related words

See also: female, gender, male
Synonyms: gender, intercourse, mating

Etymology

From Latin sexus ("sex, gender"), possibly from secāre ("to cut, divide"), suggesting the division of organisms into male and female. An alternative theory connects it to Proto-Indo-European sek- ("to follow"), relating to the idea of "following" in reproduction.