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REFERENCE

sexual

adj. · n.
US //ˈsɛkʃuəɫ// UK //sˈɛkʃuːəl// sex·u·al
  1. 1 physical intimacy (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    relating to physical intimacy or the feelings and activities connected to it.

    pertaining to sexual intercourse, physical intimacy, or the psychological and physiological drive for such contact.

    Example

    The couple sought advice to improve their sexual relationship.

    Example

    The study examines how modern technology has influenced sexual behaviour and the formation of romantic expectations among young adults.
  2. 2 biological reproduction (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    relating to the way animals and plants produce young by combining male and female cells.

    pertaining to the mode of reproduction involving the fusion of female and male gametes.

    Example

    Most mammals use sexual reproduction to have babies.

    Example

    Sexual reproduction provides a significant evolutionary advantage by increasing genetic diversity within a population over successive generations.
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  1. 3 identity and orientation (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to a person's feelings of attraction toward others.

    relating to an individual's sexuality, orientation, or identity as a social and psychological construct.

    Example

    The law protects people from being treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation.

    Example

    The seminar focused on the history of sexual identity and how societal norms have shifted regarding gender roles since the mid-twentieth century.
    • orientational
  2. 4 a person who feels attraction (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Academic

    a person who feels physical attraction to others, often used to contrast with people who do not.

    an individual who experiences sexual attraction; frequently employed in sociological or psychological contexts to distinguish from asexual individuals.

    Example

    The researcher compared the dating habits of sexuals and asexuals.

    Example

    In this specific psychological framework, the term 'sexual' is used as a noun to categorise participants who report consistent levels of interpersonal attraction.

    Usage

    This noun use is primarily found in academic or specialised discussions about sexuality.
    • allosexual
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *sek-der. Proto-Indo-European *séksusder. Proto-Italic *seksus Latin sexus Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin sexuālisbor. English sexual From Latin sexuālis, from sexus (“sex”), equivalent to sex + -ual.

Word family
Idioms4 entries

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