adjective

copulative

Relating to sexual intercourse.

The researchers observe copulative behavior in the animals during mating season.

Etymology

Latin copulare meant to join together. The sexual sense specializes that union as bodily coupling, and copulative describes things connected with the act of intercourse.

More examples

The study examines how stress affects copulative activity.
These muscles play a role in copulative movements.
The male insect has specialized copulative organs.

Forms

copulate verb — To engage in sexual intercourse.

copulation noun — The act of engaging in sexual intercourse.

Similar words

coital: Specifically concerns intercourse and is more usual in human medical contexts.
sexual: Covers sexuality broadly, rather than sexual intercourse specifically.