SEX

Changes in Attitudes

Sexual attitudes during the 1950s were in a state of transition. On one hand, as Albert Ellis writes in The American Sexual Tragedy (1954), a woman was obliged "to make herself infinitely sexually desirable—but finally approachable only in legal marriage." But men were encouraged to adopt the swinging bachelor's lifestyle represented by Playboy magazine, which debuted in 1953. The magazine's notorious pictorials of naked women, Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner explained, were symbols "of disobedience, a triumph of sexuality, an end of Puritanism." Hefner's announcement of the death of puritanism might have been a bit premature—the sexual revolution was still a decade away—but sexual values were clearly changing. And perhaps, as such scientific studies as the one conducted by Alfred Kinsey and associates seem to suggest, Americans were never particularly puritanical.

Kinsey Reports

The two Kinsey reports on human sexuality are the results of interviews with more than sixteen thousand men and women conducted during the 1940s by the staff of the Institute for Sex Research, Indiana University, under the direction of the head of the institute, zoologist Kinsey. The sex researchers criss-crossed the country, hampered at first by a meager budget and wartime shortages; but with generous grants from the Rockefeller Foundation the institute was eventually able to accumulate a wealth of data. The first report of the institute's findings, a huge, scholarly tome called Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, was published in 1948. To the surprise of everyone—including Kinsey—the book was an instant best-seller. Soon Kinsey was nationally known as the "sex doctor." The institute's findings, which showed that premarital and extra-marital sex and homosexuality were much more common than people wanted to believe, outraged church leaders and other establishment figures. To them the results of the sex research struck at the heart of the nation's morality.

Criticism of Kinsey

Undeterred by the critics, who Kinsey felt were arguing from emotion rather than science, the institute continued to evaluate its data. Kinsey knew that a second book on female sexuality would almost certainly cause more furor than its predecessor: now the researchers were indicting the sanctity of American womanhood. As expected, Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953) was met with heavy sales and vehement criticism. Evangelist Billy Graham claimed that it was "impossible to estimate the damage this book will do" to American morals. Again critics attacked Kinsey for the institute's unwillingness to make a moral judgment on its findings. This time the Rockefeller Foundation seemed to agree and withdrew funding for further research. Kinsey, already a chronic workaholic, did not handle the added stress well. Hospitalized several times over the next three years, he died in August 1956.

Sexual Preoccupation

As if to prove the worst fears of Kinsey's critics, society did seem to be more preoccupied with sex. Novels that offered explicit (for the time) depictions of sexual themes were no longer hidden away but instead made the best-seller lists. One of the most popular authors of the decade, Mickey Spillane, laced his Mike Hammer novels with heavy doses of sex and violence; critics sneered, but millions of readers responded enthusiastically. Only slightly more genteel was Grace Metalious's Peyton Place (1956), one of the decade's runaway best-sellers, which depicts the sexual intrigue (including such taboos as incest and abortion) behind a small-town facade. Sex became the chief selling device for paperbacks (such as Spillane's novels) whose cover illustrations promised seamy sex—frequently more than the novel actually delivered.

Sex in Hollywood

Motion pictures were also beginning to take a greater degree of sexual license. For the movie industry it was a matter of necessity. The enormous success of television had cut drastically into Hollywood's earnings: attendance at movie houses had dropped in some cities by as much as 40 percent. One response was to put things in movies that television could not show. Since the 1920s the contents of movies had been regulated by a production code the industry itself had created. In 1956 the Motion Picture Association of America announced revisions to the code, allowing for screen treatments of such adult subjects as prostitution, abortion, and miscegenation.

THE KINSEY REPORT

In 1953 Sexual Behavior in the Human Female by Alfred Kinsey, the first major study of American women's sexual practices, was published. Although the Kinsey report, as it was known, was a serious scientific study, it created a sensation uncommon to the scientific community.

The scientific method involved interviews with 5,940 female volunteers. Kinsey found that half of the women were no longer virgins when they married. Among married women, about one fourth had committed adultery by age forty. About half the adulterous wives had only one partner outside the marriage, and a third had committed adultery only once or a few times. Women were generally found to have a much lower sex drive than men. While an earlier report found that men were frequently preoccupied with sexual thoughts, women were found to daydream seldom about sex.

Shattering to males were the findings related to sexual maturity. Males tended to reach a peak of sexual ability in the late teens and decline precipitously from then on. Females, however, did not reach a sexual peak until their late twenties. The decline with age after this point was much more gradual in females than in males.

Some of Kinsey's theories based on his findings were as shocking to the public as the findings themselves. Kinsey suggested that teaching girls to remain virgins until marriage might be counterproductive. Since half failed to achieve this status, the result was often prolonged guilt. Perhaps it would be better to teach young women to have a limited sexual experience before a marital commitment, Kinsey suggested. Such ideas were not accepted in America in the 1950s.

Kinsey's major conclusions from the report were lost in the controversy over the topic and some of the lesser recommendations. Kinsey pointed out a potential problem in communication. Basically, males and females see the world differently. If they are to communicate in harmony, each gender must understand how the other thinks. Without a willingness to do this, the result is conflict in male-female relationships.

Rock 'n' Roll

A further assault on American modesty came from the younger generation, who was listening to and creating a new type of music—rock 'n' roll. Even if parents did not recognize the subject of songs such as "Shake, Rattle and Roll," "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man," and "Tutti Frutti," they worried that wild dancing and "jungle rhythms" would cause their children to give in to their baser instincts. Something always seemed raunchy about rock 'n' roll, even when no one was saying anything dirty. When Elvis Presley gave his hip-swinging performances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1956, it was clear that sexual energy was what propelled the music along. Rock 'n' roll, with its celebration of teen hormones, probably contributed more than any other factor to widening the generation gap and launching the sexual revolution.

CREDIT CARDS

The credit card was not only a business and economic breakthrough, it was also a technical revolution. The original cards did not include holograms and were made of paper. However, they were instrumental in moving credit flow from the business sector to the private consumer sector. The technological breakthrough was not in developing a new material or manufacturing technique. Rather, it was the application of a simple concept on a wide scale. How a little piece of paper became a technological and social milestone involves an interesting story of embarrassment.

Long before automated teller machines, cash was obtained at the bank during banking hours. Credit accounts were established on faith. One business sent material to another business, and the receiver sent a check after receiving the goods. This is credit, based on the faith that the receiver will pay for the goods and not sneak off with them in the middle of the night. The concept is rather old. Until 1950, though, it had only minor applications to the average consumer. A bank would lend someone money to buy a home, a car, or a washing machine. It had faith that the person would repay the loan. That faith, however, was improved by the knowledge that the bank could come and repossess the home, car, or washer if the consumer did not repay the money owed.

Then Frank X. McNamara had a bad day in 1950. This attorney was dining in a Manhattan restaurant when he suddenly realized he was short of cash. His embarrassment led to his revolutionary idea. He formed the Diner's Club. At twenty-seven fancy New York restaurants, the Diner's Club members could show their club cards instead of paying cash. In essence, the Diner's Club paid the bill by lending the money to the club member. Thus the restaurant got paid even if the bank was closed, and the Diner's Club would guarantee payment. In effect, the Diner's Club was giving its members unsecured loans simply for the asking. Obviously people had to meet strict income and credit criteria to join. Still, it opened a world of credit to the consumer which had not been available before and was convenient as well.

The idea caught on quickly. The club was billing $1 million the year after it was founded. When American Express started issuing credit cards in 1958, they signed up over 250,000 members in a three-month period. Banks began issuing credit cards, but they were only used on a limited, local basis. Capitalizing on McNamara's idea, Bank of America issued BankAmericards. These could be used nationally, and later internationally, at a wide variety of places. BankAmericard later became Visa, and other banks in Chicago and California developed cards that became today's MasterCard. So now that automated tellers give access to cash twenty-four hours every day, many can use credit cards to avoid carrying cash and all because of Frank McNamara's being embarrassed in 1950.

Sources:

Albert Ellis, The American Sexual Tragedy (New York: Twayne, 1954);

Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (Philadelphia: Saunders, 1953).

364. Sex

See also 209. HOMOSEXUALITY ; 253. MALE ; 424. WOMEN .

algolagnia

the finding of sexual pleasure in suffering or inflicting physical pain; sadomasochism. —algolagnist, n. —algolagnic, adj.

amphierotism

Rare. bisexualism. —amphierotic, adj.

anaphrodisia

Medicine. the absence or loss of sexual desire. Also called sexual anesthesia .

andromania

nymphomania.

aphrodisia

an extreme state of sexual desire.

aphrodisiac

a food or other substance that creates sexual desire. —aphrodisiac, adj.

aphrodisiomania

a mania for sexual pleasure.

autoeroticism

Psychoanalysis. the arousal and satisfaction of sexual desires within or by oneself, usually by masturbation. Also autoerotism. —autoerotic, adj.

bawdry

1. Archaic. the practice or occupation of being a bawd or procurer.

2. Obsolete, fornication or unlawful intercourse.

bestiality

sexual relations between a person and an animal. See also 41. BEHAVIOR .

biomagnetism

1. animal magnetism, or the power that enables some people to induce a hypnotic state in others.

2. physical attraction between members of the sexes. —biomagnetic, adj.

bisexualism, bisexuality

the state of being sexually responsive or attracted to members of both sexes. Also called amphierotism . See also 51. BODY, HUMAN . —bisexual, adj.

carnalism, carnality

the practice of finding satisfaction in activities related to fleshly desires and appetites, especially the sexual. — carnal, adj.

coitophobia

an abnormal fear of sexual intercourse. Also called genophobia .

coprophilia

1. the use of obscene or scatological language for sexual gratification.

2. a love of obscenity.

3. Psychiatry. an abnormal interest in feces, especially as a source of sexual excitement.

cryptorchidism

the failure of one or both testes to descend normally. —cryp-torchid, n., adj.

defloration

the act of having sexual intercourse with a virgin; devirgination.

devirgination

Obsolete, the deflowering of a virgin. Also called defloration .

edeomania

an obsession with genitals.

eonism

Psychiatry. the adoption, by a male, of feminine mannerisms, clothing, etc. Also called transvestism, transvestitism .

epicenism

the state or quality of combining characteristics of both sexes. —epicenity, n. —epicene, adj.

eroticism

1. the erotic or sexual quality of something.

2. the use of sexually arousing or stimulating materials in literature, drama, art, etc.

3. the condition of being sexually stimulated.

4. a sexual drive or tendency.

5. an abnormally persistent sexual drive. Also erotism .

eroticomania

an abnormal interest in erotica.

erotographomania

an abnormal interest in erotic literature.

erotology

the study of sex as a skill.

erotomania

abnormal or uncontrollable sexual desire. —erotomaniac, n., adj.

erotophobia

an abnormal fear of sexual feelings and their physical expression.

estrus, oestrus

the condition of being in rut or sexual arousal, applied particularly to the female. Also called est rum, oestrum. —estrous, oestrous, adj.

eunuchism

1. the process or tradition of castrating males.

2. the state of being a eunuch.

fetishism, fetichism

Psychiatry. the compulsive use of some object or part of the body as a sexual stimulus, as a shoe, underclothes, a lock of hair, etc. —fetishist, fetichist, n. —fetishistic, fetichistic, adj.

flagellation

whipping or flogging, either as a religious practice for the mortification of the flesh, or as a sexual activity, for sado-masochistic pleasure. —flagellant, n., adj. —flagellator, n.

free-lovism

the doctrine or practice of having sexual relations without marriage or any other commitment to an obligation.

frottage

the act of rubbing against another person for sexual gratification. —frotteur, n.

genesiology

the study of reproduction.

genophobia

coitophobia.

gerontophilia

a sexual attraction to the elderly. —gerontophile. n. —geronto-philic, adj.

gynecomania

satyriasis.

harlotry

the state or practice of being a harlot or prostitute.

hetaerism, hetairism

1. the practice of concubinage.

2. a social system characterized by its regarding women as common property. —hetaerist, hetairist, n. —hetaeristic, hetairistic, adj.

hysteromania

nymphomania.

inflbulation

the act and practice of attaching a clasp, ring, or other device to the genital organs to prevent sexual intercourse. See also 68. CAPTIVITY .

ithyphallicism

the worship of an erect phallus or the use of a representation of one in ritual. —ithyphallic, adj.

lechery

immoderate indulgence of sexual desire; lewd and lustful behavior. —lecher, lecherer, n. —lecherous, adj.

libido

Psychoanalysis. the force or psychic energy behind human action, especially the sexual urge. —libidinous, adj.

lubricity

lewd or lecherous behavior or attitude; lasciviousness. —lubricious, adj.

mentulomania

an obsession with the penis.

monoecism

the condition of having both male and female sex organs in an individual. —monoecious, adj.

necrophilia

a sexual attraction to the dead. — necrophile, n. — necrophilic, adj.

necrosadism

the mutilation of a corpse in order to excite or satisfy sexual urges. —necrosadist, n.

nymphomania

Pathology. an excessive sexual desire in a female. Also called andromania, hysteromania, oestromania, uteromania. Cf. satyriasis. —nymphomaniac, n., adj. —nymphomaniacal, adj.

oestromania

nymphomania.

oestrus

estrus.

onanism

1. the practice of preejaculatory withdrawal during intercourse.

2. masturbation. — onanist, n. —onanistic, adj.

orchidomania

an obsession with testicles.

panderism

1. the practice of acting as a go-between in amorous intrigues.

2. the action of soliciting customers for a prostitute or of procuring women for sexual purposes. Also panderage .

paraphilia

the practice of, indulgence in, or addiction to unusual sexual activities. —paraphilic , adj.

paraphobia

an abnormal fear of sexual perversion.

partialism

1. an emphasis of sexual interest upon one part of the body.

2. a form of fetishism in which the sexual stimulus is a part of the body, as pictures of feet.

pornographomania

an abnormal interest in pornography.

priapism

1. Pathology. a continuous erection of the penis, especially as the result of a disease.

2. a prurient action or display. —priapismic, adj.

proxenetism

the practice of pimping by females. — proxenetist, n.

prurience, pruriency

an inclination toward lewdness or lustfulness; lustful behavior. —prurient, adj.

salacity

1. lewdness of speech.

2. lustful or lecherous behavior. —salacious, adj.

satyriasis

Pathology. an abnormal, uncontrollable sexual desire in men. Also called gynecomania, satyrism, satyromania. Cf. nymphomania. —satyr, n. —satyric, adj.

scopophilia

Psychiatry.

1. Also called passive scopophilia . the deriving of sexual pleasure from viewing nude bodies, sexual acts, or erotic photographs; voyeurism.

2. Also called active scopophilia, scoptophilia . an abnormal desire to be seen, especially genitally; exhibitionism. —scopophiliac, n. —scopophilic, adj.

sexology

the study of normal and abnormal sexual behavior. —sexologist, n. —sexological, adj.

sexual anesthesia

anaphrodisia.

sexualism

emphasis upon sex as being a prime concern in life.

transsexualism, transsexuality

the psychological phenomenon of a person identifying with the opposite sex, sometimes to the extent of undergoing surgery for change of sex. —transsexual, n., adj.

transvestism

eonism.

ustulation

Obsolete, a burning sexual desire; a lustful passion.

uteromania

nymphomania.

venery

Archaic. sexual activity; the gratification of sexual impulses.

voyeurism

the practice of gaining sexual gratification by looking at sexual acts, erotic pictures, etc. —voyeur, n. —voyeuristic, adj.

whoredom

the act or practice of prostitution.

whoremongery

1. the practice of being a whoremaster, or whoremonger.

2. the actions or behavior of a whoremaster, or whoremonger.

zoophilia

a desire for sexual activity with animals. —zoophilist, n. —zoophilic, zoophilous, adj.

sex term used to refer both to the two groups distinguished as males and females, and to the anatomical and physiological characteristics associated with maleness and femaleness. Sex relates to the type of reproduction in which specialized reproductive cells (gametes) form and, when united by fertilization , produce a zygote (fertilized egg) that develops into a new individual. The female gamete is called an egg or ovum , and the male gamete a sperm .

Sexual Differentiation

Differentiation into two sexes appears in some members of all divisions of the plant and animal kingdoms. Even in species where little or no sexual difference has occurred anatomically, an implied separation exists in forms in which conjugation occurs (e.g., among different strains in paramecia and between plus and minus strains in molds). Many lower forms reproduce within the one individual two different kinds of cell that unite to form a new individual; in others, male and female cells form in different individuals. Among the vertebrates, the sexes are usually readily distinguishable by their primary sexual characteristics, i.e., the structure of their reproductive organs. In the highest group of plants, the seed-bearing plants, the female organ is the pistil and the male organ is the stamen . The stamens and pistil may appear in the same flower, in different flowers of the same plant, or in the flowers of separate plants. Secondary sexual characteristics include the bright coloration of many male birds and fish, the antlers of male deer, the beard and deepened voice of human males, and the mammary glands of female mammals. In higher animals, hormones released by the sexual organs under stimulation from the pituitary hormones play a dominant role in the control of sexual characteristics and the sexual processes of reproduction (see pituitary gland ).

Genetic Basis of Sex and Sex-linked Traits

The modern science of genetics has provided a scientific explanation about how an offspring becomes either female or male. Based on the discovery that among the chromosomes present in the body cells, a special pair of sex chromosomes exist that bear the genes determining the sex of the offspring. In the human female, these chromosomes are identical and are called X chromosomes (indicated by XX). The male has one X chromosome and one smaller Y chromosome, which is dominant for maleness. During the process of producing reproductive cells (see meiosis ), each of these chromosomes is segregated into a different gamete. Thus, when fertilization occurs, according to Mendelian law, 50% of the offspring will be XX (female) and 50% XY (male). Deviations from this rule do occur, but it is generally true.

The rule also helps to explain the inheritance of sex-linked characteristics such as hemophilia (a blood clotting disorder) and red-green color blindness, since the X chromosome also carries some genes for nonsexual traits. The Y chromosome carries very few genes for nonsexual traits; these few (including one for hairy ears) are called holandric genes. Certain inherited characteristics comprise X-linked traits, so called because a single X chromosome occurs in males. A recessive characteristic, e.g., when a gene leads to the expression of a disease such as hemophilia, may locate on the X sex chromosome in males and thus appear in that family.

Genetic Variability

Because of the myriad genes in the nucleus of every parent cell, the probability of two individuals inheriting identical characteristics is almost zero; thus, innumerable new variations (see mutation ) constantly undergo testing for survival advantages in the individual's environment. The evolutionary flexibility that results from sexuality at some stage of the reproductive cycle seems not only beneficial but necessary in maintaining the adaptability of the species. The Human Genome Project is mapping and sequencing the approximately 30,000 human genes. The goal of this international scientific effort focuses on discovering the genetic basis for diseases in order to help humans avoid having children with severe or fatal genetic disorders.

Bibliography

See study by J. Maynard-Smith (1978).

sex is a short word, but an immense concept, and many of us spend a lot of time thinking about it. Sex is the engine that drives creation, ensuring propagation of the race and ultimate survival of the species. The imperfection of biological machines means that after a certain period of time they become dysfunctional and obsolescent, and it becomes more economic and energy-efficient to replace them completely than to continue to renew the old ones.

So how can selfish organisms, intent only on their own survival, be persuaded to reproduce and hand on their heritage and their living space to an utterly new individual?

There are a number of instruments, such as the selfish gene theory and the maternal instinct but the chief contrivance is sex, and Mother Nature has been capriciously kind in allowing us this delightful inducement to procreation.

Apart from being great fun, sex allows the mixing of genetic material with its consequent crucial increase in adaptability; no two progeny are exactly alike, as the cocktail of genes will never mix in exactly the same way. This genetic diversity permits adjustment to any environmental changes, as any advantageous characteristics will promote survival and increase their chances of being further propagated. For example, if the weather gets colder, people with a tendency to wear warm pyjamas will be more likely to survive and pass on their cuddly proclivities; thus the human race will tend to become more huggable, and I say go for it.

The act of sex is also of immense symbolic significance, a gesture of trust and vulnerability. The woman lies on her back (usually) exposing herself without guard or guile to the frenzied thrusting of the man.

The man is also uniquely vulnerable at this time; at the point of ejaculation his back arches, his eyes close in rapture, and he is oblivious to all ordinary sensations. This vulnerability is exploited more cold-bloodedly in other species; the male spider and praying mantis pay the ultimate price for sex, for that gasping moment of desire, for the chance to perpetuate their genes; they form a tasty little post-coital snack for their partner.

And one of the consequences of the desire for sex is that sublimation of that desire has led to that finest of human emotions: romantic love, the passionate unconditional constant devotion to another person, the inspiration for great art, great literature, great poetry, great food, and great, great pop songs. Some authors, however, have argued that it is implausible to suggest that this remarkable harmony between the interests of the species and the ecstasy of the individual came about solely though evolutionary pressure; that the sheer joy of sexual love is far greater than can be explained by reference to biological utility or Freudian psychology — as Tina Turner rasped, ‘What's love got to do with it?’

As one of our great primal drives, cultures and religions have naturally developed many different ways to depict and control sex. For example, many traditional religions consider the act of sex without procreation to be sinful, whereas contemporary Western social mores and wider environmental concerns about over-population take the opposing view. In Western society, most forms of sex are now acceptable, so long as they involve consenting adults, and these increasingly bizarre forms of non-procreational sex may be a species response to overcrowding and an inherent, if unconscious, awareness of the dangers of over-population; they might be considered analogous to the legendary mass migrations and suicides undertaken by lemmings when their numbers become too great to support their food supply, though thankfully outre sex is much more diverting both to partake in and to watch.

So the bottom line, so to speak, is that sex represents a ferociously potent device for ensuring that our species continues to adapt and survive (and have great parties on the way).

Liam Farrell

sex / seks/ • n. 1. (chiefly with reference to people) sexual activity, including specifically sexual intercourse: he enjoyed talking about sex she didn't want to have sex with him. ∎  [in sing.] a person's genitals (used in novels to avoid more vulgar or anatomically explicit terms). 2. either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and most other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions: adults of both sexes. ∎  the fact of belonging to one of these categories: direct discrimination involves treating someone less favorably on the grounds of their sex. ∎  the group of all members of either of these categories: she was well known for her efforts to improve the social condition of her sex. • v. [tr.] 1. determine the sex of: sexing chickens. 2. (sex someone up) inf. arouse or attempt to arouse someone sexually. DERIVATIVES: sex·er n.

Sex (1926), a play by Jane Mast. [Daly's Theatre, 375 perf.] Margie LaMont ( Mae West) shares her apartment with a blackmailing gigolo. When he drugs a rich socialite, Margie rescues her. But the woman, fearing for her reputation, accuses Margie of theft. So Margie gets even by seducing the woman's son. Not only was the show panned by critics, but many newspapers refused to accept its advertisements. As a result the producer flooded New York with posters boldly plugging the title. The show was still playing to good business when it was raided by the police. West was hauled into court and sentenced to ten days in the workhouse. Jane Mast was to have been Miss West's pen name. An Off‐Off‐Broadway revival in 2000 proved that the controversial play was more than a curiosity.

sex Classification of an organism into male or female, denoting the reproductive function of the individual. In mammals, the presence of sex organs (ovaries in the female, testes in the male) are primary sexual characteristics. Secondary sexual characteristics, such as size, coloration, and hair growth, are governed by the secretion of sex hormones. In flowering plants, the female sex organs are the carpel, including the ovary, style and stigma, and the male organs the stamens. Male and female organs may occur in the same flower or on separate flowers or plants. See also ovary; sexual reproduction; testis

sex males or females collectively XIV (rare before XVI); condition in respect of being male or female XVI. — (O)F. sexe or L. sexus m., rel. to synon. secus n.
So sexual XVII. — late L.; see -AL1.

sex
1. The sum of the characteristics concerned with sexual reproduction and the raising of young, by which males, females, and hermaphrodites may be distinguished.

2. The act of sexual intercourse.

sex •axe (US ax), Backs, Bax, fax, flax, lax, max, pax, Sachs, sax, saxe, tax, wax •co-ax • addax • Fairfax • Ceefax •Halifax • Telefax • Filofax • banjax •Ajax •pickaxe (US pickax) • gravlax •gravadlax • poleaxe • toadflax •parallax •battleaxe (US battleax) •minimax • climax • Betamax • anthrax •hyrax •borax, storax, thorax •syntax • surtax • beeswax • earwax •Berks, Lourenço Marques, Marks, Marx, Parks, Sparks •annex, convex, ex, flex, hex, perplex, Rex, sex, specs, Tex, Tex-Mex, vex •ibex • index • codex • tubifex •spinifex • pontifex • Telex • triplex •simplex • multiplex •ilex, silex •complex • duplex • circumflex • Amex •annexe • Kleenex • apex • Tipp-Ex •haruspex • perspex • Pyrex •Durex, Lurex, murex •Middlesex • unisex • Semtex • latex •cortex, Gore-tex, vortex •vertex • Jacques •breeks, idée fixe, maxixe, Weeks