Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having sexual characteristics intermediate between those of male and female: Describes an individual or organism whose biological sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, gonads, hormones, or anatomy) do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. This is a biological and medical term.
   • Existing or occurring between the sexes: Describes interactions, relationships, or phenomena that take place between males and females.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Intermediate Characteristics):

  • Some animals are born intersexual, displaying a mix of male and female traits.
  • The doctor explained that the child's intersexual condition was a natural variation in human development.

• Adjective (Between the Sexes):

  • The study focused on intersexual competition within the species.
  • Their research analyzed intersexual communication patterns in the workplace.

Advanced Usage

• In academic contexts: The term is used in biology, medicine, and gender studies. In human contexts, many now prefer the term intersex as a more respectful and accurate noun or adjective for people with these traits, while intersexual remains common in scientific writing about non-human organisms and theoretical concepts.
  • The biologist published a paper on intersexual selection in birds.

Variants and Related Words

• Intersex (adj/noun): Often used interchangeably with "intersexual" for humans, though "intersex" is increasingly preferred as a standalone term for people. It emphasizes identity and experience rather than just biological characteristics.
  • The organization advocates for the rights of intersex people.
• Intersexuality (noun): The state or condition of being intersexual.
  • The book provides a history of intersexuality.

Synonyms

• Androgynous: Having both male and female characteristics, though often more related to appearance or gender expression than specific biology.
• Hermaphroditic: (In biology) Having both male and female reproductive organs. Note: This term is generally considered outdated and potentially offensive when applied to humans.

Related Phrases

• Intersex trait: A specific physical characteristic that is part of an intersex variation.
  • An intersex trait may involve atypical chromosomes.
• Differences of Sex Development (DSD): A medical term sometimes used for conditions where sexual development is atypical.

Adjective

1. having sexual characteristics intermediate between those of male and female
2. existing or occurring between the sexes