heterosexual
|het-er-o-sex-u-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌhɛtəroʊˈsɛkʃuəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌhɛtərəʊˈsɛkʃuəl/
attracted to opposite sex
Etymology
'heterosexual' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'heteros,' meaning 'different,' and Latin 'sexualis,' meaning 'relating to sex.'
'heteros' combined with 'sexualis' in the late 19th century to form the modern English word 'heterosexual.'
Initially, it meant 'relating to different sexes,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'attracted to the opposite sex.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.
He is a heterosexual.
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Adjective 1
sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.
She identifies as heterosexual.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45