Definition

Noun: A secondary sexual characteristic is a physical feature that differs between males and females of a species but is not directly part of the reproductive system. These characteristics develop during puberty under the influence of sex hormones and are often involved in attracting mates or signaling sexual maturity.

Usage

This term is used in biology, medicine, and anthropology to describe the physical traits that distinguish the sexes beyond the primary reproductive organs. * The deepening of the voice in human males is a classic example of a secondary sexual characteristic. * In many bird species, the bright plumage of males is a secondary sexual characteristic used in courtship displays.

Advanced Usage

• Evolutionary Context: These characteristics are often explained by sexual selection, where traits that increase mating success become more common.
  • The elaborate antlers of a stag are a secondary sexual characteristic that likely evolved through competition for mates.
• Clinical Context: The absence or unusual timing of these characteristics can be a sign of hormonal or developmental disorders.
  • The delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics prompted further medical investigation.

Variants and Related Words

• Secondary sex characteristic: A common alternative phrasing with identical meaning.
• Primary sexual characteristic (noun): Refers to the reproductive organs themselves (e.g., ovaries, testes).
• Dimorphism (noun): The condition where two sexes of the same species exhibit different characteristics beyond their sexual organs.

Synonyms

• Sexual dimorphism (though this term more broadly encompasses phenotypic differences between sexes, including secondary characteristics).

Related Phrases

• To develop secondary characteristics: The process of these traits appearing.
  • Adolescents develop secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair or breast growth.
• Expression of secondary characteristics: Refers to how pronounced or visible these traits are.
  • The expression of secondary sexual characteristics varies widely among individuals.

Noun

1. the genetically determined sex characteristics that are not functionally necessary for reproduction (pitch of the voice and body hair and musculature)