sexual
adj
1 of, relating to, or characterized by sex or sexuality
2 (of reproduction) characterized by the union of male and female gametes Compare →
asexual →
2 (C17: from Late Latin sexualis;see sex) ♦
sexually adv
secondary sexual characteristic
n any of various features distinguishing individuals of different sex but not directly concerned in reproduction. Examples are the antlers of a stag and the beard of a man
sexual dimorphism
n (Biology) differences in appearance between the males and females of a species
sexual harassment
n the persistent unwelcome directing of sexual remarks and looks, and unnecessary physical contact at a person, usually a woman, esp. in the workplace
sexual intercourse
n the act of sexual procreation in which the insertion of the male's erect penis into the female's vagina is followed by rhythmic thrusting usually culminating in orgasm; copulation; coitus
Related adj →
venereal
sexual reproduction
n reproduction involving the fusion of a male and female haploid gamete
sexual selection
n an evolutionary process in animals, in which selection by females of males with certain characters, such as large antlers or bright plumage, results in the preservation of these characters in the species