Pronunciation: [sˈɛkst] (IPA) 
The word "sexed" is often misspelled as "sixed", as the /ks/ sound can be confusing to spell. However, the correct spelling of this word is "sexed", with the /ks/ sound followed by the long /e/ sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, this is represented as /sɛkst/. The word "sexed" refers to an animal that has been determined to be male or female, typically through examination of their reproductive organs.
Sexed is an adjective that refers to something that has been determined or identified in terms of its biological sex or to describe distinguishing characteristics related to sex. This term is commonly used in the context of animals, particularly livestock or poultry, to indicate whether they are male or female. It can refer to animals that have undergone a process of sex determination, typically performed shortly after birth, where individuals are sorted or classified based on their sex. In agriculture, this identification is crucial in managing and maintaining the herds or groups, as it helps farmers to make informed decisions on breeding, feeding, and healthcare practices that may be specific to each sex.
Moreover, the term "sexed" can also be used to describe certain products or services related to human reproductive health. For instance, in the field of assisted reproductive technology, the term may be used to refer to techniques or procedures that allow the selection of embryos of a specific sex for implantation. These methods enable couples to exercise a degree of control over the gender of their offspring.
In a more general sense, "sexed" can also be used to describe situations or contexts that are influenced by or associated with biological sex. This may pertain to societal or cultural norms, expectations, or experiences that differ between males and females. In this sense, the term can be used to discuss issues related to gender equality, sexuality, and the influence of sex on social dynamics.
The word sexed dates back to the early 20th century and is derived from the verb to sex. The verb itself first appeared around 1916, originating from the noun sex meaning the biological distinction between male and female. The term sex can be traced back to Middle English, where it was derived from the Old French word sexe, ultimately derived from Latin sexus. This Latin term, in turn, originated from the Indo-European root *seks- meaning to divide or to separate, which also gave rise to the Latin word secare meaning to cut. Therefore, the etymology of sexed is closely related to the broader historical development of the word sex.
