sexual
English meaning: Sexual
Definition
A species which reproduces by sexual rather than asexual reproduction, or a member of such a species.
Example
“The clinic offers advice on sexual health to young people.”
Another example: “In biology, sexual reproduction combines genes from two parents.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Primarily an adjective relating to sex, gender or reproduction ('sexual relationship', 'sexual health', 'sexual reproduction'). Used in biology, medicine and everyday English. The noun sense (a sexually reproducing organism) is technical and rare. Handle with appropriate care in formal contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Late Latin 'sexualis', from Latin 'sexus' ('sex, gender'), with the adjective suffix, from the 17th century.
Synonyms
- sexy
- intimate
- sexed
- unisexual
- intersexual
Antonyms / Opposites
- asexual
- nonsexual
- platonic
Related Words
- dimorphism
- intercourse
- arousal
- harassment
- orientation
- orgasm
- asexual
- abuse
- fantasies
- maturity
Common Collocations
- sexual relationship
- sexual health
- sexual orientation
- sexual harassment
- sexual reproduction
- sexual attraction
Word Forms
sex (n); sexual (adj); sexually (adv); sexuality (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B