Definition of “Asexual”
Word: Asexual
Pronunciation: /ˌeɪˈsɛkʃuəl/
Part of Speech: Adjective, noun
Meaning:
- Biological context:
Asexual refers to an organism or process that does not involve sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction means no mating or fusion of gametes is needed. Offspring are genetically identical to the parent. - Human identity context:
Asexual also refers to a person who does not experience sexual attraction to others. It’s one of the sexual orientations, part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
Grammatical Formation:
- Adjective: Used to describe organisms, reproduction, or people.
- This species reproduces asexually.
- She identifies as asexual.
- Noun: Refers to a person who is asexual.
- Many asexuals find intimacy in non-sexual ways.
Synonyms:
nonsexual, sexless, unsexual (rare in usage), reproductive without sex (biological)
Antonyms:
sexual, fertile (biological), allosexual (in terms of identity)
Related Terms:
asexually, sexual, asexual reproduction, binary fission, mitosis, aromantic, demisexual
Easy Explanation:
- In biology, “asexual” means without sex or mating — like when bacteria split to make new bacteria.
- As an identity , it means someone doesn’t feel sexual desire or attraction toward others.
Common Collocations:
- asexual reproduction
- asexual organisms
- asexual identity
- asexual spectrum
- asexual community
- asexual orientation
Sample Sentences:
Biological context:
- Some plants, like potatoes, reproduce asexually using tubers.
- Bacteria often multiply through asexual reproduction.
- Hydra are simple animals that reproduce asexually by budding.
Identity context:
4. Alex is asexual and feels no sexual attraction to anyone.
5. The asexual community is gaining visibility in discussions of human sexuality.
6. Some asexual people still seek romantic or emotional relationships.
Idiomatic Usage:
The word asexual is not commonly used in idioms. However, it can appear in expressions related to identity or biology:
- “On the asexual spectrum” – used to describe the range of experiences under the asexual umbrella (e.g., demisexual, gray-asexual).
- “Asexual by nature” – often used in biological contexts.
Does “Asexual” Have Any Relationship to Sexuality?
✅ Yes.
In human identity, it is directly related to sexuality — specifically to people who do not feel sexual attraction.
In biology, it’s about reproduction without sex, so it has a scientific connection to sexuality, though not emotional or interpersonal.