intersexual
|in-ter-sex-u-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃuəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪntəˈsɛkʃuəl/
between sexes / mixed sexual characteristics
Etymology
'intersexual' originates from Latin-derived elements, specifically the prefix 'inter-' and the element 'sexual' (from Latin 'sexus'), where 'inter-' meant 'between' and Latin 'sexus' meant 'sex'.
'intersexual' developed in English as a compound of 'inter-' + 'sexual', influenced by the noun 'intersex' and formed in the 20th century; it evolved from earlier English usages like 'inter-sexual' into the modern spelling 'intersexual'.
Initially, it meant 'between or of both sexes' (i.e., between sexes), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to or describing people or conditions with variations in sex characteristics (intersex)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who has intersex characteristics (variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female).
The clinic provides resources and counseling for intersexual patients.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of intersex people or intersex conditions; involving sex characteristics that are not exclusively male or female.
Researchers studied intersexual traits in the patient cohort.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/11 14:09