Definitions1

Definitions

Identity

1. a. The quality or condition of being the same in substance, composition, nature, properties, or in particular qualities under consideration; absolute or essential sameness; oneness.
absolute identity, that asserted in the metaphysical doctrine of Schelling that mind and matter are phenomenal modifications of the same substance.

2. a. The sameness of a person or thing at all times or in all circumstances; the condition or fact that a person or thing is itself and not something else; individuality, personality.
personal identity (in Psychology), the condition or fact of remaining the same person throughout the various phases of existence; continuity of the personality.

c. Belonging or relating to identity (sense 2), as in identity crisis, a phase of varying severity undergone by an individual in his need to establish his identity in relation to his associates and society as part of the process of maturing. Also transf.

1974 Times Lit. Suppl. 19 Apr. 409/1 A middle-aged cuckold with piles and an identity crisis.

Sexuality

1. The quality of being sexual or having sex.

b. (See quot.)

1888 Buck's Handbk. Med. Sci. VI. 436/2 According to a strict biological definition sexuality is the characteristic of the male and female reproductive elements (genoblasts), and sex of the individuals in which the reproductive elements arise. A man has sex, a spermatozoon sexuality.

2. Possession of sexual powers, or capability of sexual feelings.

1879 J. M. DUNCAN Dis. Wom. xxvii. (1889) 223 In removing the ovaries, you do not necessarily destroy sexuality in a woman. 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VIII. 191 Precocious sexuality..interferes with normal mental growth.

3. Recognition of or preoccupation with what is sexual; pl. (nonce-use), allusions to sexual matters.

1893 C. A. CLARKE Knobstick xiii. 137 Under the unsteady inspiration of..alcohol, there was rude and uproarious bawling of music hall ditties..and chuckling sexualities were tossed to and fro.

4. Appearance distinctive of sex.