Sex
/sΙks/noun
The biological classification based on reproductive functions and characteristics.
Did you know?The word 'sex' comes from the Latin 'sexus', which was tied to both gender and the act of dividing, hinting at ancient beliefs of duality and balance in creation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sek-
βto cut, to divideβ
Latin
Latin
sexus
βthe state of being male or female, genderβ
Old French
Old French
sexe
βgender, sexual relationsβ
Middle English
Middle English
sexe
βthe condition of being male or female, sexual activityβ
Modern English
English
sex
βbiological or physiological classification based on reproductive functionsβ