Sex Definitions
From Abstinence to Zoophilia, a dictionary of sexual terms and their meanings.
What Is Sex – How Do You Define What Sex Is
Readers share their ideas on how to define sex, what constitutes “real sex” and how they wish others would define sex.
Readers share their ideas on how to define sex, what constitutes “real sex” and how they wish others would define sex.
A.S.F.R. - Alt Sex Fetish Robot (ASFR)
Definition of A.S.F.R. (ASFR)also known as alt sex fetish robot.
Definition of A.S.F.R. (ASFR)also known as alt sex fetish robot.
Abstinence
Definition of the term abstinence
Definition of the term abstinence
Acrotomophilia
Definition of acrotomophilia, which describes being sexually aroused or having sexual fantasies about having sex with someone who has an amputated limb.
Definition of acrotomophilia, which describes being sexually aroused or having sexual fantasies about having sex with someone who has an amputated limb.
Agalmatophilia
Defining agalmatophilia, a fetish that involves arousal or sexual excitement for statues for mannequins.
Defining agalmatophilia, a fetish that involves arousal or sexual excitement for statues for mannequins.
Agoraphilia
Definition of agoraphilia which describes sexual excitement from being outdoors and/or enjoying sex in public places.
Definition of agoraphilia which describes sexual excitement from being outdoors and/or enjoying sex in public places.
Anal Beads
Description of anal beads, also known as “Thai beads”.
Description of anal beads, also known as “Thai beads”.
Anal Dildo
Description of anal dildos.
Description of anal dildos.
Analingus
Definition of the word analingus, also called rimming.
Definition of the word analingus, also called rimming.
Anorgasmia
Definition of anorgasmia, an inability to reach orgasm or climax.
Definition of anorgasmia, an inability to reach orgasm or climax.
Asexual
A definition of the term asexual.
A definition of the term asexual.
Asphyxiophilia
Definition of asphyxiophilia, the practice of depriving oneself of oxygen to create sexual arousal or enhance sex.
Definition of asphyxiophilia, the practice of depriving oneself of oxygen to create sexual arousal or enhance sex.
Autofellatio
A description and definition of autofellatio, the act of performing oral sex on oneself.
A description and definition of autofellatio, the act of performing oral sex on oneself.
Avatar
Explains what an avatar is in the context of sex tech and human computer sexual interactions.
Explains what an avatar is in the context of sex tech and human computer sexual interactions.
BDSM
A definition for the term BDSM which is an umbrella term to describe a wide range of sexual activities, and emotional and spiritual interactions.
A definition for the term BDSM which is an umbrella term to describe a wide range of sexual activities, and emotional and spiritual interactions.
Bot
Explains what “bot” software is, in the context of sex tech.
Explains what “bot” software is, in the context of sex tech.
Butt Plugs
Description of butt plugs.
Description of butt plugs.
Candaulism
Definition of candaulism, which describes the sexual practice involving three people where two engage in sex while the third watches, often from a hidden location.
Definition of candaulism, which describes the sexual practice involving three people where two engage in sex while the third watches, often from a hidden location.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia symptoms and links to more resources on Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Chlamydia symptoms and links to more resources on Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Coccinelle 1931-2006
About Coccinelle, well known female performer who was also the first person to have sex reassignment surgery in France.
About Coccinelle, well known female performer who was also the first person to have sex reassignment surgery in France.
Coitus
A definition of the word coitus.
A definition of the word coitus.
Coprophilia
Definition of the fetish or paraphilia known as coprophilia.
Definition of the fetish or paraphilia known as coprophilia.
Cuddle Party
An explanation of the term cuddle party, with links to more information on cuddle parties.
An explanation of the term cuddle party, with links to more information on cuddle parties.
Dental Dam
Explains what a dental dam is in the context of using dental dams for safer sex.
Explains what a dental dam is in the context of using dental dams for safer sex.
Devotees
Definition of the term devotees which refers to people who fetishize or have a specific sexual interest in someone with a disability.
Definition of the term devotees which refers to people who fetishize or have a specific sexual interest in someone with a disability.
Dildo
Definition of the sex toy called a "dildo."
Definition of the sex toy called a "dildo."
Dr. Geri Weitzman
Brief biography for Dr. Geri Weitzman.
Brief biography for Dr. Geri Weitzman.
Dr. John Money 1921-2006
Information about pioneering sex researcher Dr. John Money.
Information about pioneering sex researcher Dr. John Money.
Dr. Vern Bullough 1928-2006
About sex reseacher and historian Vern Bullough 1928-2006
About sex reseacher and historian Vern Bullough 1928-2006
DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
Explains the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Explains the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Dual Action Vibrator
Definition of dual action vibrator
Definition of dual action vibrator
Dysparuenia
Definition of Dysparuenia or painful intercourse.
Definition of Dysparuenia or painful intercourse.
Edging
Describing the sexual activity edging.
Describing the sexual activity edging.
Emergent sex
Definition of the term emergent sex, coined by Brenda Brathwaite.
Definition of the term emergent sex, coined by Brenda Brathwaite.
Erectile Dysfunction
Definition of the term erectile dysfunction.
Definition of the term erectile dysfunction.
Erotophilia and Erotophobia
Definition of the personality dimension called erotophilia and erotophobia.
Definition of the personality dimension called erotophilia and erotophobia.
Female genital cosmetic surgery
Definition of the various kinds of female genital cosmetic surgeries, including vagioplasty and labiaplasty.
Definition of the various kinds of female genital cosmetic surgeries, including vagioplasty and labiaplasty.
Female Orgasmic Disorder
A definition of female orgasmic disorder.
A definition of female orgasmic disorder.
Fetish
Clinical and non-clinical definitions of fetish.
Clinical and non-clinical definitions of fetish.
Frenulum Breve
Definition of Frenulum Breve a condition that can make sexual activity painful.
Definition of Frenulum Breve a condition that can make sexual activity painful.
Fritz Klein 1932-2006
About Fritz Klein, sex researcher, psychiatrist, and bisexual activist.
About Fritz Klein, sex researcher, psychiatrist, and bisexual activist.
Genetic Determinism
Offers a general definition of genetic determinism, in the context of research in human sexuality.
Offers a general definition of genetic determinism, in the context of research in human sexuality.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes symptoms and links to more resources on genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Genital herpes symptoms and links to more resources on genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
Definition of the clinical diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, where an individual has low or no interest in sexual activity or fantasy.
Definition of the clinical diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, where an individual has low or no interest in sexual activity or fantasy.
Intercourse
A definition of the word intercourse in a sexual context.
A definition of the word intercourse in a sexual context.
Kegel Exercises
Definition of Kegel exercises, used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Definition of Kegel exercises, used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Klismaphilia
Definition of klismaphilia, or deriving sexual arousal and pleasure from enemas.
Definition of klismaphilia, or deriving sexual arousal and pleasure from enemas.
Labiaplasty
Definition of labiaplasty, surgery to alter the size of the labia.
Definition of labiaplasty, surgery to alter the size of the labia.
Lichen Sclerosus
Definition of the rare disorder lichen sclerosus
Definition of the rare disorder lichen sclerosus
Male Orgasmic Disorder
A definition of male orgasmic disorder.
A definition of male orgasmic disorder.
Non Ejaculatory Orgasm
Definition of non-ejaculatory orgasm, a term generally used when refering to male orgasm and the experience of male multiple orgasm.
Definition of non-ejaculatory orgasm, a term generally used when refering to male orgasm and the experience of male multiple orgasm.
Non-Monogamy
Brief definition of the term non-monogamy, with references to alternative relationships and polyamory.
Brief definition of the term non-monogamy, with references to alternative relationships and polyamory.
Oral Sex Taste
What makes up the taste of oral sex? An explanation of what oral sex taste is comprised of.
What makes up the taste of oral sex? An explanation of what oral sex taste is comprised of.
Pansexual
Definition of the term Pansexual.
Definition of the term Pansexual.
Paraphilias
Definition of paraphilia, which is a clinical term that is often used to describe fetishes but encompasses a wider range of sexual interests, fantasies and behaviors.
Definition of paraphilia, which is a clinical term that is often used to describe fetishes but encompasses a wider range of sexual interests, fantasies and behaviors.
Penile Dysmorphophobia
What is penile dysmorphophobia?
What is penile dysmorphophobia?
Penis Pumps
Describes the basics of penis pumps and the difference between penis pumps and vacuum pumps or vacuum erection devices.
Describes the basics of penis pumps and the difference between penis pumps and vacuum pumps or vacuum erection devices.
Perineum
Definition of the perineum
Definition of the perineum
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
Definition of persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), also known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS).
Definition of persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), also known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS).
Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS)
Definition of persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS), also known as persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
Definition of persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS), also known as persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
Phimosis
Definition of phimosis, a condition where the foreskin cannot be pulled back behind the head of the penis
Definition of phimosis, a condition where the foreskin cannot be pulled back behind the head of the penis
Phthalates
Explains what phthalates are and how they are used in sex toy manufacturing.
Explains what phthalates are and how they are used in sex toy manufacturing.
Pre-cum – Pre-ejaculatory fluid
A definition of pre-cum, or pre-ejaculatory fluid, which is expelled from the penis during sexual arousal and prior to ejaculation.
A definition of pre-cum, or pre-ejaculatory fluid, which is expelled from the penis during sexual arousal and prior to ejaculation.
Premature Ejaculation
Definition of premature ejaculation
Definition of premature ejaculation
Priapism
Definition of the condition priapism.
Definition of the condition priapism.
Pubococcygeus (PC) Muscles
Definition of the Pubococcygeus Muscles, known as the PC muscles.
Definition of the Pubococcygeus Muscles, known as the PC muscles.
Rainbow Parties
Definition of the term Rainbow Parties.
Definition of the term Rainbow Parties.
Refractory Period
Provides a definition of the term refractory period.
Provides a definition of the term refractory period.
Romantic product salesmen
Describes the little known profession of romantic product salesmen, travelling salesmen who worked from teh 20s to the 60s selling sex toys to men in the deep south.
Describes the little known profession of romantic product salesmen, travelling salesmen who worked from teh 20s to the 60s selling sex toys to men in the deep south.
Sex Drive
Defines the term sex drive, also known as sexual instinct or libido.
Defines the term sex drive, also known as sexual instinct or libido.
Sex Positive
Defnition of the term sex positive.
Defnition of the term sex positive.
Sex Tech
A definition of the term sex tech.
A definition of the term sex tech.
Sex Toy
What is the definition of a sex toy? How are sex toys defined in law, by public health, and by commerce?
What is the definition of a sex toy? How are sex toys defined in law, by public health, and by commerce?
Sexual Behavior
A definition of sexual behavior may seem obvious at first, but not everyone agrees on what is, and isn’t, sex.
A definition of sexual behavior may seem obvious at first, but not everyone agrees on what is, and isn’t, sex.
Sexual Compatibility
How can you define sexual compatibility?
How can you define sexual compatibility?
Sexual Identity
How does sexual identity differ from sexual orientation, or sexual behavior? Here’s a working definition of sexual identity.
How does sexual identity differ from sexual orientation, or sexual behavior? Here’s a working definition of sexual identity.
Sexual Orientation
Historically, researchers have conceptualized sexual orientation in a variety of different ways. Here is a practical definition of sexual orientation.
Historically, researchers have conceptualized sexual orientation in a variety of different ways. Here is a practical definition of sexual orientation.
Sexual Surrogates
What is sexual surrogacy and who are sexual surrogates?
What is sexual surrogacy and who are sexual surrogates?
Small Penis Syndrome
A proposed diagnosis for men who have anxiety about the size of their penis when they don’t have a clinically small penis.
A proposed diagnosis for men who have anxiety about the size of their penis when they don’t have a clinically small penis.
Teledildonics
What is teledildonics? Explains the origins and meaning of the term teledildonic.
What is teledildonics? Explains the origins and meaning of the term teledildonic.
Vacuum Pumps
Describes the basics of vacuum pumps or vacuum erection devices, and the differences between these and penis pumps.
Describes the basics of vacuum pumps or vacuum erection devices, and the differences between these and penis pumps.
Vaginoplasty
Definition of vaginoplasty, surgery that alters the internal and/or external female genitalia.
Definition of vaginoplasty, surgery that alters the internal and/or external female genitalia.
Vasocongestion
Definition of vasocongestion in the context of sexual arousal and sexual response.
Definition of vasocongestion in the context of sexual arousal and sexual response.
Virtual Sex
There are many different definitions for virtual sex. Here is a broad definition for virtual sex that encompasses many kinds of virtual sexual interactions.
There are many different definitions for virtual sex. Here is a broad definition for virtual sex that encompasses many kinds of virtual sexual interactions.
What Is Sex?
What is sex? How does sex differ from sexuality? Learn about defining sex and sexuality for yourself in a way that can help you explore more of your sexual potential and increase your sexual health.
What is sex? How does sex differ from sexuality? Learn about defining sex and sexuality for yourself in a way that can help you explore more of your sexual potential and increase your sexual health.
Zoophilia
Definition of the term Zoophilia.
Definition of the term Zoophilia.