Sex"u*al (?), a. [L. sexualis, fr. sexus sex: cf. F. sexuel.] Of or
pertaining to sex, or the sexes; distinguishing sex; peculiar to the
distinction and office of male or female; relating to the distinctive
genital organs of the sexes; proceeding from, or based upon, sex; as,
sexual characteristics; sexual intercourse, connection, or commerce;
sexual desire; sexual diseases; sexual generation.
Sexual dimorphism (Biol.), the condition of having one of the sexes
existing in two forms, or varieties, differing in color, size, etc., as
in many species of butterflies which have two kinds of females. --
Sexual method (Bot.), a method of classification proposed by Linnæus,
founded mainly on difference in number and position of the stamens and
pistils of plants. -- Sexual selection (Biol.), the selective
preference of one sex for certain characteristics in the other, such as
bright colors, musical notes, etc.; also, the selection which results
from certain individuals of one sex having more opportunities of
pairing with the other sex, on account of greater activity, strength,
courage, etc.; applied likewise to that kind of evolution which results
from such sexual preferences. Darwin.
In these cases, therefore, natural selection seems to have acted
independently of sexual selection.
A. R. Wallace.
Sex"u*al*ist, n. (Bot.) One who classifies plants by the sexual method
of Linnæus.
Sex`u*al"i*ty (?), n. The quality or state of being distinguished by
sex. Lindley.
Sex"u*al*ize (?), v. t. To attribute sex to.
Sex"u*al*ly, adv. In a sexual manner or relation.
{ Sey (?), Seyh (?) }, obs. imp. sing. & 2d pers. pl. of See. Chaucer.
{ Seye (?), Seyen (?) }, obs. imp. pl. & p. p. of See.
Seynd (?), obs. p. p. of Senge, to singe. Chaucer.