What does asexually mean?
"Asexually" is an adverb describing actions or processes that occur without any involvement of sex — most often in biology, where it refers to reproduction that does not rely on the fusion of gametes. Organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and many plants reproduce asexually through mechanisms like binary fission, budding, fragmentation, or vegetative propagation, producing offspring that are typically genetic clones of the parent. The term derives from "asexual," which combines the Greek-derived prefix "a-" (meaning "without") with the Latin root "sexualis" (relating to sex). While its dominant use is technical and appears frequently in textbooks, research papers, and science journalism, it can also describe human behavior or relationships conducted without sexual activity. It is a neutral, precise word valued wherever clarity about reproductive or relational modes matters, offering a concise alternative to longer descriptive phrases.
adverbIn a manner that does not involve sexual reproduction or sexual activity; without sex or sexual means.
- Without involving sexual reproduction, as in organisms reproducing by division, budding, or cloning rather than by the union of gametes.
- Without sexual activity or sexual desire, describing behavior or relationships that do not involve sex.
"Many ferns can propagate asexually through spores rather than seeds."
"Bacteria typically divide asexually, producing genetically identical offspring."
"The plant can be grown asexually from cuttings taken in early spring."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of asexually
"Asexually" is formed from the adjective "asexual," which combines the prefix "a-" (from Greek, meaning "without" or "not") with "sexual," derived from the Late Latin "sexualis," itself based on Latin "sexus" (sex). The adverb is created by adding the standard English suffix "-ly." Its use grew alongside developments in nineteenth-century biology, when scientists needed precise vocabulary to distinguish reproductive strategies that did not involve the union of male and female gametes.
Related word forms
How asexually is actually used
The word is most common in scientific and biological contexts, particularly botany, zoology, and microbiology. It carries a neutral, technical register with no positive or negative connotation.
Easily confused with asexually
'Asexual' is an adjective describing something lacking sex or sexual reproduction, while 'asexually' is the adverb form describing how an action is carried out.