sex organ
5
3.3
- noun
- /sɛks ˈɔrɡən/
- Specialized
:
órgano sexual
- The penis is the male sex organ involved in reproduction.
- male sex organs
- one sex organ
We have been given sex organs to use them.
- We have been given sex organs to use them.
Examples
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Many animals have different types of sex organs that serve the purpose of reproduction.
-
This is the male sex organ.
-
Neither does anyone deny that male sex organs are necessarily involved in the act.
Academic text (2003) -
Female sex organs evolved to be self-cleaning.
Academic text (2014) -
It is essential for normal growth, the development of male sex organs, and secondary sexual characteristics.
Academic text (2012) -
Testosterone is produced by the testes and is also responsible for the development of the male sex organs and masculine characteristics.
Academic text (2015) -
The ovaries are a vital part of the female sex organs responsible for producing eggs.
Synonyms
11
3.1
An organ that makes eggs or sperm, like ovaries, testes, and flower parts
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'sex' (relating to sexual/reproductive function) + 'organ' (a body part with a function) yields an organ involved in sexual reproduction. Although 'sex' can also refer to gender or sexual activity, the compound is literal and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Sex organ is a simple name: sex means 'being male or female' or 'making babies' and organ means 'body part'. So it literally means a body part used for 'sex' or making babies, such as the penis, vagina, testicles and ovaries.