asexual

[ ey-sek-shoo-uhl ]
See synonyms for asexual on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. Zoology, Botany.

    • having no organs of reproduction: In nature, there are numerous examples of asexual plant and animal species.

    • 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: a woman who identifies as asexual.: Compare graysexual (def. 1).

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

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

Origin of asexual

1
First recorded in 1820–30; a-6 + sexual

Other words from asexual

  • a·sex·u·al·i·ty [ey-sek-shoo-al-i-tee], /eɪˌsɛk ʃuˈæl ɪ ti/, noun
  • a·sex·u·al·ly, adverb

Words Nearby asexual

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use asexual in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for asexual

asexual

/ (eɪˈsɛksjʊəl, æ-) /


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 of asexual

  • asexuality (eɪˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ, ˌæ-), noun
  • asexually, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012