# intersex

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intersex
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describes a person whose biological sex is not clearly male or female. This can happen because of physical traits or genetic factors that do not fit the typical patterns.

For teachers: refers to a person whose biological sex is not clearly male or female, often due to physical or genetic characteristics that do not conform to typical binary classifications.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that the baby was intersex.
- In many cultures, intersex individuals have historically been treated as a third gender or been assigned a sex at birth without their consent.
- The study highlights the genetic diversity found in intersex animals, showing how natural variation can lead to physical traits that do not fit into the traditional male-female binary.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.