Sēx, n.

n. [Fr. & Pr. sexe, Sp. & Pg. sexo, It. sesso, Lat. sexus.]

1. The distinguishing peculiarity of male or female; the physical difference between male and female; the assemblage of properties or qualities by which male is distinguished from female, or female from male.
2. One of the two groups of organic beings formed on the distinction of male and female.
3. (Bot.) (a.) The distinguishing peculiarity of plants, as staminate or pistillate. (b.) One of the groups founded on this distinction.
4. Womankind; females; — so used by way of emphasis. “Unhappy sex! whose beauty is your snare.” Dryden. “The sex whose presence civilizes ours.” Cooper.

The sex, the female sex; women in general.