sex means A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species; the system of such categories, which can differ by organism or by taxonomic branch. Lexicurio rates it Workaday — a strength score of 0 out of 100.
sex is pronounced /ˈsɛks/.
Why “sex” is a great word
SEX — [Noun, Verb] A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles; also, the act of sexual intercourse. From Latin sexus ("a sex, state of being either male or female, gender"), a word of uncertain origin, possibly related to secare ("to cut, divide") in reference to division into male and female. First attested in English in the late 14th century. Unlike "gender," which denotes a social and psychological constellation, or "intercourse," which specifies the mechanics of the act, sex is the foundational binary and the encompassing act itself. It is the chromosomal signature written in every cell, the urgent, sweat-slicked tangle in the dark, and the stark, administrative check-box on a form—the ancient, divisive fact of life that promises, in its frantic merging, a fleeting reprieve from being one alone.
noun
- A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species; the system of such categories, which can differ by organism or by taxonomic branch.“The effect of the medication is dependent upon age, sex, and other factors.”
- Another category, especially of humans and especially based on sexuality or gender roles.“Still there are some loop-holes out of which a man may creep, and dare to think and act for himself; but for a woman it is an herculean task, because she has difficulties peculiar to her sex to overcome, which require almost super-human powers.”
- The members of such a category, taken collectively.“It was a weakness / In me, but incident to all our sex.”
- The distinction and relation between these categories, especially in humans; gender.“A lot of women now like men to pay for them on dates... We've dealt with the outdated view of sex underpinning this.”
- Women; the human female gender and those who belong to it.“The sex of Venice are undoubtedly of a distinguished beauty.”
- Sexual activity, usually sexual intercourse unless preceded by a modifier.“We marry in fear and trembling, sex for a home is the woman's traffic, and the man comes to his heart's desire when his heart's desire is dead.”
verb
- To determine the sex of (an animal).“If we sex the cattle, which is the only way to get at their value, we shall have... 400 cows, 200 yearling heifers.”
- To have sex with.“As good as Muddah had handled me in bed, sexing her hadn't done a damn thing to take my mind off my cousin Smoove.”
- To have sex.“Our baby is eighteen months old now, and cries when we sex”