sex

/sɛks/
noun
  1. The state of being male or female, typically used in reference to biological and physiological characteristics.
    • The doctor explained that the baby's sex would be known at birth.
    • Please indicate your sex on the form: male or female.
    • In many species, sex is determined by chromosomes.
  2. Physical activity involving sexual intercourse or other intimate contact.
    • Sex education in schools covers both biology and healthy relationships.
    • They talked openly about sex in their relationship.
    • The book discusses the importance of consent in sex.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To determine the sex of (an animal or person).
    • Scientists sex the fish to study population ratios.
    • The farmer learned how to sex chicks by examining their feathers.
    • It is difficult to sex some reptiles without genetic testing.