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secondary sexual characteristics

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

secondary sexual characteristics External features of a sexually mature animal that, although not directly involved in copulation, are significant in reproductive behaviour. The development of such features is controlled by sex hormones (androgens or oestrogens); they may be seasonal (e.g. the antlers of male deer or the body colour of male sticklebacks) or permanent (e.g. breasts in women or facial hair in men). In humans they develop during adolescence.

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secondary sexual characteristics

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

secondary sexual characteristics pl. n. the physical characteristics that develop after puberty. In boys they include the growth of facial and pubic hair and the breaking of the voice. In girls they include the growth of pubic hair and the development of the breasts.

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"secondary sexual characteristics." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"secondary sexual characteristics." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-secondarysexualchrctrstcs.html

"secondary sexual characteristics." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-secondarysexualchrctrstcs.html

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