hetero

¹

[ het-uh-roh ]

adjective

1. Chemistry. of or relating to an atom other than carbon, particularly in a cyclic compound.
2. Informal. heterosexual.

noun

, plural het·er·os.

1. Informal. a heterosexual person.

hetero-

²

1. a combining form meaning “different,” “other,” used in the formation of compound words:

   heterocyclic.

hetero

¹

/ ˈhɛtərəʊ /

noun

1. short for heterosexual

hetero-

²

combining_form

1. other, another, or different Compare homo-

   heterophony

   heterosexual

   heterodyne

hetero–

1. A prefix that means “different” or “other,” as in heterophyllous, having different kinds of leaves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hetero¹

First recorded in 1930–35 hetero fordef 2; hetero def 1 by shortening of heteroatom; hetero defs 2, 3 by shortening of heterosexual; -o

Origin of hetero²

Combining form of Greek héteros the other of two, other, different

Word History and Origins

Origin of hetero¹

from Greek heteros other

Example Sentences

In the last decade I’ve befriended hetero and queer women, gay men and non-binary folks.

From Los Angeles Times

When she and her husband go out with another hetero couple she’ll shake the male partner’s hand rather than offering a hug, and she’s always careful to greet the woman first.

From Los Angeles Times

Schussel is proof that hetero opposite sex relationships are possible, but she has boundaries too.

From Los Angeles Times

While the story detailed a regular instance of hetero dating, ordinary enough for thousands to make theirs, Roupenian’s home as a writer is horror.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that space is allowed for more than two gender expressions, “hetero” and “cishet” are shorthand for a “cisgender/heterosexual” couple or individual.

From Seattle Times