The distinction between male and female; or the property or character by which an animal is male or female. The male sex is usually characterized by muscular strength, boldness and firmness. The female sex is characterized by softness, sensibility and modesty. In botany, the property of plants which corresponds to sex in animals. The Linnean system of botany is formed on the doctrine of sexes in plants.

By way of emphasis, womankind; females. Unhappy sex! whose beauty is your snare. The sex, whose presence civilizes ours. Milne.