What does asexual mean?
"Asexual" is an adjective with two principal modern uses. In biology, it describes reproduction that occurs without the union of sex cells — as when bacteria divide, yeast buds, or plants propagate through runners and bulbs. In human terms, it describes a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others; such individuals may still form deep romantic bonds, and many embrace "asexual" (informally "ace") as an identity within the broader spectrum of orientations. The word derives from the Greek prefix "a-" ("without") combined with Latin-derived "sexual," and entered English in the nineteenth century, first in botanical usage before being extended to human experience in recent decades. Because it is sometimes confused with celibacy — a deliberate choice of abstention — careful writers distinguish between orientation and behaviour. The term is neutral and standard in scientific registers, and increasingly common, accepted, and visible in everyday discourse about identity.
Relating to reproduction without the fusion of gametes, or having no sexual organs or sexual characteristics.
"Hydra can reproduce asexually by budding, making them a textbook example of an asexual organism."
(Of a person) experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others; relating to or characteristic of this orientation.
"He identifies as asexual and has never experienced sexual attraction to anyone."
Used respectfully and typically only of those who self-identify this way; often shortened informally to 'ace.'
The 'A' in LGBTQIA+ stands for asexual — a word coined from Greek roots meaning literally 'without sex,' yet for millions of people it names not a lack, but simply who they are.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of asexual
Asexual was formed in English from the Greek-derived prefix "a-" meaning "without," joined to "sexual," which ultimately traces to Latin "sexus." The word first appeared in the mid-nineteenth century in botanical and zoological writing, describing organisms or modes of reproduction that involve no gamete fusion. Its application to human beings, denoting an absence of sexual attraction, developed much later, gaining widespread currency only around the turn of the twenty-first century alongside growing public discussion of diverse orientations. It shares its root with related coinages such as heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual, all built on the same Latinate base.
How asexual is actually used
In biological contexts the term is purely descriptive and neutral. When applied to people, it is best used respectfully and only of those who themselves identify as such; many prefer the informal short form 'ace.' It should be distinguished from celibacy, which is behavioural rather than orientational.
Easily confused with asexual
Asexual describes an absence of sexual attraction as part of one's orientation, while celibate describes a chosen abstinence from sexual activity regardless of attraction.