sexual characteristic
1
6.1
- noun
- /ˈsɛkʃuəl ˌkɛrɪktəˈrɪstɪk/
- Specialized
:
característica sexual
- Middle school is a very difficult period for many young girls as it is a time of change for girls experiencing the development of secondary sexual characteristics, as well as menarche (Gilligan, 1993; Herman-Giddens et al., 1997; Monagan, 1983; Pipher, 1994).
- secondary sexual characteristics
- development of sexual characteristics
- girls with secondary sexual characteristics
Examples
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In general, AA girls with and without the development of secondary sexual characteristics consumed more lipids and saturated fats compared to HA girls.
Academic text (2008) -
All the HA parents considered the emergence of secondary sexual characteristics in their children to be on time, whereas half of the AA parents regarded this development as early.
Academic text (2008) -
The reported median for the development of secondary sexual characteristics was 6 years for the AA girls and 10 years for the HA girls.
Academic text (2008) -
She may become depressed, and certain secondary sexual characteristics can be affected.
-
It is essential for normal growth, the development of male sex organs, and secondary sexual characteristics.
Academic text (2012) -
Pediatric research indicates that HA girls are developing secondary sexual characteristics at a later age than AA girls.
Academic text (2008) -
No attempt has been made to empirically test any of the relationships between the development of secondary sexual characteristics, nutrition, and body image as a function of cultural differences.
Academic text (2008) -
HA girls were manifesting secondary sexual characteristics (breast development) probably due to this high consumption of calcium.
Academic text (2008) -
Research by Herman-Giddens et al. (1997) concerning secondary sexual characteristics and menses in young girls indicated that for some reason early sexual maturation is more prevalent in the AA population.
Academic text (2004) -
During puberty, boys typically experience changes in their bodies, such as the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, including increased muscle mass.
Synonyms
1
5.8
A trait of body and mind linked to being male or female
A physical or mental trait typical of one sex
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a trait associated with one sex' is directly compositional from 'sexual' (pertaining to sex) + 'characteristic' (a distinguishing feature), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the MWE. This is a common, literal noun phrase pattern found across languages, making the expression immediately comprehensible.
Etymology
Sexual characteristic combines sexual ('about being male or female') and characteristic ('a trait or sign'). Imagine a bright feather or a deep voice that clearly shows which sex an animal or person is; that's why the phrase means a trait strongly linked to one sex.