Definition of sexless

The origin of the word "sexless" can be traced back to the 17th century, with the first recorded use appearing in 1664. The word comes from the Old English word "sexx," meaning sex or gender, and the suffix "-less" meaning lacking or without. Initially, the term "sexless" was used to describe things that lacked a clear gender or sexual identity, such as certain types of plants or animals. For example, it was applied to hermaphrodites, organisms that possess both male and female reproductive organs, as they did not fall neatly into either the male or female category. As society began to develop more rigid gender norms, the meaning of the word shifted to refer to people who did not express traditional sexual or gender identities. This definition became more common during the Victorian era, when societal mores placed a strong emphasis on traditional gender roles and heterosexual marriage. Today, the term "sexless" is still used to describe people who identify as asexual, meaning they do not experience sexual attraction, although this identification is a relatively new development in the study of human sexuality. Despite its historical origins, the meaning of the word continues to evolve and adapt as our understanding of sexuality and gender continues to evolve.