SEXUAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does sexual mean? 

• SEXUAL (adjective)
  The adjective SEXUAL has 3 senses:

1. of or relating to or characterized by sexuality

2. having or involving sex

3. involved in a sexual relationship

  Familiarity information: SEXUAL used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SEXUAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to or characterized by sexuality

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

sexual distinctions

Pertainym:

sex (the properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles)

Derivation:

sexuality (the properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having or involving sex

Context example:

sexual spores

Similar:

intersexual (existing or occurring between the sexes)

intimate (used euphemistically to refer to the genitals)

sexed (having sexual differentiation)

unisexual (relating to only one sex or having only one type of sexual organ; not hermaphroditic)

Attribute:

gender; sex; sexuality (the properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles)

Antonym:

asexual (not having or involving sex)

Derivation:

sex (activities associated with sexual intercourse)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Involved in a sexual relationship

Synonyms:

intimate; sexual

Context example:

she had been intimate with many men

Similar:

sexy (marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest)

 Context examples 

Sexual abuse is one form of child abuse.

(Child Sexual Abuse, NIH)

It is also being studied in the treatment of sexual problems in patients treated with radiation or surgery for prostate cancer.

(Cialis, NCI Dictionary)

You have to deal with pressures related to food, drink, appearance, drugs, and sexual activity.

(College Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse of a child, typically by a parent, stepparent, or parent surrogate.

(Child Abuse and Neglect, NCI Thesaurus)

Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional.

(Child Abuse, NIH)

Increased numbers of sexual partners and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are risk factors.

(Cervical adenocarcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

The virus spreads through sexual contact.

(Cervical Cancer, NIH: National Cancer Institute)

Increased numbers of sexual partners and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are risk factors for cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

(Cervical squamous cell carcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

Men who engage in sexual activity with other men, regardless of how they identify themselves.

(Men who have Sex with Men, NCI Thesaurus)

The micropig weighs between 14-20kg at sexual maturity.

(Micropig, NCI Thesaurus)