How to Pronounce sex

Meaning and Context

Sex is a fundamental biological and social concept with two primary, interrelated meanings. In a biological context, sex classifies organisms, most commonly as male or female, based on a constellation of characteristics including chromosomes (XX or XY in humans), gonads (ovaries or testes), internal reproductive anatomy, and external genitalia. This classification is central to the study of human reproduction, genetics, and evolutionary biology. Simultaneously, sex refers to the physical acts—collectively known as sexual intercourse or copulation—involving intimate contact, often for purposes of procreation, pleasure, or emotional bonding. The study of human sexuality encompasses this duality, exploring everything from physiological sexual health and sexual orientation to the psychological and cultural dimensions of intimacy, relationships, and identity. Understanding sex is therefore crucial across diverse fields, from medicine and public health to anthropology, psychology, and sociology, as it underpins both individual experience and broader societal structures.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The term "sex" is a short, high-frequency word with a standardized spelling, leading to few legitimate alternatives. However, common typos often arise from phonetic misspellings or keyboard slips, such as "sez," "sxe," or "sexc" (when intending to type "sexy"). A more frequent point of confusion lies in the homophone "gender," which is related but distinct, referring to social and cultural roles, expressions, and identities. Another common error is the misuse of "sex" and "gender" as absolute synonyms in formal writing, which is increasingly discouraged in academic and social science contexts to acknowledge the spectrum of human identity. The plural "sexes" is straightforward, though occasionally misspelled as "sex's" (an incorrect possessive form) or "sexs."

Example Sentences

The doctor explained that the baby's biological sex would be determined by a combination of chromosomal analysis and examination of external genitalia.

In health class, students learned about the importance of safe sex practices to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

Anthropological research indicates that rituals surrounding courtship and sex vary dramatically across different cultures.

The study aimed to analyze the correlation between chromosomal sex and the prevalence of certain hereditary conditions.

Many species exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females of the species have markedly different physical characteristics.

Open communication about sex and intimacy is often cited as a cornerstone of a healthy romantic relationship.

The legal case centered on issues of sex discrimination in the workplace, alleging unfair treatment based on an employee's biological sex.

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