secondary sex characteristic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “secondary sex characteristic” mean?
A physical feature that develops during puberty and distinguishes between the sexes but is not directly involved in reproduction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical feature that develops during puberty and distinguishes between the sexes but is not directly involved in reproduction.
Any biological trait that emerges as a result of sexual maturation and signals sexual dimorphism, often influenced by hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'characteristic' is consistent).
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in relevant academic/medical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary sex characteristic” in a Sentence
The development of [secondary sex characteristics] is triggered by hormones.[Secondary sex characteristics] include features such as...A delay in [secondary sex characteristics] may indicate a medical condition.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary sex characteristic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The body begins to secondary-sex-characteristic? (Not used as a verb)
American English
- The body begins to secondary-sex-characteristic? (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- The features developed secondary-sex-characteristically? (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- The features developed secondary-sex-characteristically? (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The secondary-sex-characteristic development was monitored.
- They studied secondary-sex-characteristic changes.
American English
- Secondary-sex-characteristic development was monitored.
- They studied secondary-sex-characteristic changes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except potentially in HR contexts discussing diversity or medical policies.
Academic
Core term in biology, medicine, psychology, and anthropology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; might be used in educational or parenting discussions about adolescence.
Technical
Standard, precise term in endocrinology, developmental biology, and clinical medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary sex characteristic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary sex characteristic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary sex characteristic”
- Misspelling 'characteristic' (e.g., 'caracteristic').
- Using 'secondary sex characteristics' to refer to genitalia (which are primary).
- Omitting 'sex' and just saying 'secondary characteristics', which is too vague.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primary sex characteristics are the reproductive organs (e.g., testes, ovaries) present at birth. Secondary sex characteristics are the physical traits that develop during puberty (e.g., body hair, breast tissue) which are not directly part of the reproductive system but distinguish the sexes.
No, there is significant individual and population variation in the timing, sequence, and prominence of secondary sex characteristics, influenced by genetics, nutrition, health, and environmental factors.
Yes, through medical interventions like hormone therapy (e.g., in gender-affirming care or for certain medical conditions), or through surgical procedures. Their natural development is driven by hormones.
Yes, the enlargement of the larynx (voice box), which creates the visible 'Adam's apple' and deepens the voice, is a classic secondary sex characteristic in males, driven by testosterone during puberty.
A physical feature that develops during puberty and distinguishes between the sexes but is not directly involved in reproduction.
Secondary sex characteristic is usually academic, technical, medical in register.
Secondary sex characteristic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekəndri ˈseks ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsekənderi ˈseks ˌkerəktəˈrɪstɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SECONDARY' comes after PRIMARY. Primary sex characteristics are the reproductive organs you're born with; SECONDARY sex characteristics are the additional features (like facial hair or breast development) that appear SECOND during puberty.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBERTY IS A BUILDER constructing the adult body. Secondary sex characteristics are the finishing touches or decorative features added to the basic structure.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a secondary sex characteristic?