asexual

[ ey-sek-shoo-uhl ]

adjective

1. Zoology, Botany.
   1. having no organs of reproduction:

      In nature, there are numerous examples of asexual plant and animal species.

   2. independent of sexual processes, especially not involving the union of male and female germ cells:

      Asexual reproduction is common among echinoderms such as starfish, basket stars, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers.

2. experiencing little or no sexual attraction to other people: Compare graysexual ( def 1 ).

   a woman who identifies as asexual.

3. not involving sex or sexual feelings; nonsexual: an asexual hug.

   an asexual friendship;

   an asexual hug.

noun

1. a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to other people. Compare graysexual ( def 2 ).

asexual

/ æ-; eɪˈsɛksjʊəl; ˌæ-; eɪˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having no apparent sex or sex organs
2. (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of male and female gametes, as in vegetative reproduction, fission, or budding

Derived Forms

• aˈsexually, adverb
• asexuality, noun

Other Words From

• a·sex·u·al·i·ty [ey-sek-shoo-, al, -i-tee], noun
• a·sex·u·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of asexual¹

First recorded in 1820–30; a- ⁶ + sexual

Example Sentences

As someone on the asexual spectrum, that sounded perfect.

From Los Angeles Times

Tobie Donovan's character Isaac is asexual, another topic few dramas have explored.

From BBC

In the second series, Tobie Donovan’s character Isaac tells the rest of the characters he is asexual, meaning he experiences little or no sexual attraction.

From BBC

All along the parade route, people waved iterations of flags representing those who are asexual, trans or lesbian —Mexican flags with rainbow stripes signaled pride at intersectional identities.

From Los Angeles Times

The pregnancy was thought to be the result of a type of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis, in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no genetic contribution by a male.

From Seattle Times