sex

n., adj., & v.
—n.
1 either of the main divisions (male and female) into which living things are placed on the basis of their reproductive functions.
2 the fact of belonging to one of these.
3 males or females collectively.
4 sexual instincts, desires, etc., or their manifestation.
5 colloq. sexual intercourse.
—adj.
1 of or relating to sex (sex education).
2 arising from a difference or consciousness of sex (sex antagonism; sex urge).
—v.tr.
1 determine the sex of.
2 (as sexed adj.) a having a sexual appetite (highly sexed). b having sexual characteristics.
Phrases and idioms:
sex act (usu. prec. by the) the (or an) act of sexual intercourse. sex appeal sexual attractiveness. sex change an apparent change of sex by surgical means and hormone treatment. sex chromosome a chromosome concerned in determining the sex of an organism, which in most animals are of two kinds, the X-chromosome and the Y-chromosome. sex hormone a hormone affecting sexual development or behaviour. sex kitten colloq. a young woman who asserts her sex appeal. sex life a person's activity related to sexual instincts. sex-linked Genetics carried on or by a sex chromosome. sex maniac colloq. a person needing or seeking excessive gratification of the sexual instincts. sex object a person regarded mainly in terms of sexual attractiveness. sex-starved lacking sexual gratification. sex symbol a person widely noted for sex appeal.
Derivatives:
sexer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF sexe or L sexus