Word
asexual
Phoneticsasex·u·al
US/eɪˈsɛksjuəɫ/
UK/eɪsˈɛkʃuːəl/
Definition
adj. describing a living thing that can make offspring without a partner. You see this in some plants and simple animals like starfish.
adj. reproducing without the fusion of gametes; lack of sexual organs or activity. Often used in botanical or microbiological contexts.
Examples
“Some plants use asexual reproduction to spread quickly.”
“Single-celled organisms like bacteria typically reproduce through asexual means by dividing into two identical cells.”
“In certain environmental conditions, some invertebrate species switch from sexual to asexual reproduction to maximize their population count without the need for a mate.”
Examples
simple
“Some plants use asexual reproduction to spread quickly.”
contextual
“Single-celled organisms like bacteria typically reproduce through asexual means by dividing into two identical cells.”
complex
“In certain environmental conditions, some invertebrate species switch from sexual to asexual reproduction to maximize their population count without the need for a mate.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “asexual” in context.
Verb
01. remain asexual
“Certain organisms remain asexual throughout their entire life cycle regardless of environmental changes.”
verb + adj
02. reproduce asexually
“Starfish can reproduce asexually by regenerating a whole new body from a single severed arm.”
verb + adv
Adjective
03. asexual propagation
“Gardeners often use asexual propagation, such as taking cuttings, to ensure the new plants are identical.”
adj + noun
04. asexual reproduction
“Asexual reproduction allows the plant to colonize the area rapidly without needing a pollinator.”
adj + noun
05. strictly asexual
“Some species of lizards are strictly asexual, consisting entirely of females that produce clones.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. mode of asexual reproduction
“Binary fission is a common mode of asexual reproduction found in bacteria.”
noun + of + noun
Etymology
From a- (“lacking, without”) + -sexual.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/asexual