sex
sex Lexical Profile
sex Game Scores & Validity
• 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 and biological traits.
"The application form requires candidates to state their age and sex for demographic analysis."
Sexual activity, including specifically sexual intercourse.
"Comprehensive health education classes teach students about human anatomy and safe sex."
• verb
To determine the biological sex of an animal or bird, especially when young.
"It takes a trained veterinarian or experienced breeder to accurately sex newly hatched chicks."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern scientific and sociological usage, 'sex' typically refers to biological and physiological characteristics (such as chromosomes and reproductive anatomy), whereas 'gender' refers to socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities.
• Rhymes for sex
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'sexe', from Latin 'sexus' (male or female state), which is likely related to the Latin verb 'secare' (to divide or cut), referring to the division of organisms into male and female halves.