Sex, n. [L. sexus: cf. F.
sexe.] 1. The distinguishing peculiarity
of male or female in both animals and plants; the physical difference
between male and female; the assemblage of properties or qualities by
which male is distinguished from female.
2. One of the two divisions of organic beings
formed on the distinction of male and female.
3. (Bot.) (a) The
capability in plants of fertilizing or of being fertilized; as,
staminate and pistillate flowers are of opposite sexes.
(b) One of the groups founded on this
distinction.
The sex, the female sex; women, in
general.