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.

   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.

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

Other Word Forms

• asexually adverb
• asexuality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of asexual¹

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

Example Sentences

Vigilante, meanwhile, is asexual, Stroma confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

From Salon

And as someone who identifies as asexual and is possibly on the spectrum, he brings a bracingly original perspective to the classic homecoming play, updating the genre for the 21st century.

From Los Angeles Times

Cassie Carpenter, an entertainment reporter who identifies as asexual, makes it a point to attend every event Rigal puts on.

From Los Angeles Times

These photoreceptors also regulate things like sexual and asexual development and metabolism, accumulation of protective pigments and proteins, and growth.

From Salon

As someone on the asexual spectrum, that sounded perfect.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does asexual mean?

A person who is asexual experiences no sexual attraction to others. Asexual people still experience romantic attraction and may participate in sexual activity.Asexuality is not the same thing as celibacy or abstinence. It’s not a choice or disorder. It is a sexual orientation that falls on a spectrum, and includes diverse identities, behaviors, and attractions.What are some other words related to asexual?affectional orientationaromanticbisexualdemisexualomnisexualpansexualsexual orientationgray-asexuality