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sex

n. · v.
US //ˈsɛks// UK //sˈɛks// sex
  1. 1 sexual activity (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    physical activity between people that is related to sexual pleasure.

    sexual activity, specifically sexual intercourse or other intimate physical acts.

    Example

    The book discusses how to have a healthy conversation about sex with your partner.

    Example

    The study examines the correlation between physical exercise and a healthy interest in sex among middle-aged adults.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense.
  2. 2 people of one category (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    all the people of one biological group, such as all women or all men.

    the members of a particular biological sex considered collectively.

    Example

    The club was open to members of either sex.

    Example

    The legislation was designed to prevent discrimination against either sex in the workplace.

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  1. 3 to identify biological sex (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    to find out if an animal is male or female.

    to determine the biological sex of an organism, typically an animal or a plant.

    Example

    It can be quite difficult to sex some species of birds just by looking at them.

    Example

    The researchers had to sex the hatchlings immediately to ensure an accurate count of the male-to-female ratio in the population.

    Usage

    transitive verb.
Word family
Idioms8 entries

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