single-sex

The adjective "single-sex" is a modern English compound formed by directly combining two existing English words. "Single," tracing back to the Latin singulus, carries the fundamental sense of "one" or "individual." "Sex," from Latin sexus, denotes the distinction between male and female. The compound's logic is transparently literal, combining these elements to describe an institution, activity, or space that is restricted to or designed for only one of the two sexes. Its formation follows a common English pattern for creating precise descriptive terms, such as "single-use" or "full-time," to specify a particular condition or limitation.

Structure: single (one) + sex (gender) - single: From Latin singulus (one, individual, separate). In this compound, it functions as a modifier meaning "consisting of one." - sex: From Latin sexus (state of being male or female). In this compound, it functions as the core noun specifying the category of division.