Definition of sexual

The word "sexual" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "sexus" means "gender" or "sex," and it is derived from the verb "secare," which means "to cut." In the 15th century, the Latin "sexus" was adopted into Middle English as "sex," referring to the biological characteristics that define males and females. In the 17th century, the adjective "sexual" emerged, meaning "relating to sex" or "pertaining to gender." The word was originally used to describe the physical characteristics or behaviors associated with either males or females, rather than any explicit or erotic content. Over time, as society's attitudes towardshuman sexuality evolved, the word "sexual" took on a broader meaning, encompassing not only biological characteristics but also the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of human sexual behavior. Today, the word "sexual" is widely used in various contexts, including science, medicine, psychology, and everyday conversation.