hetero

¹ American  

[het-uh-roh] / ˈhɛt əˌroʊ /

adjective

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

2. Informal. heterosexual.

---

noun

plural

heteros

1. Informal. a heterosexual person.

hetero- ² American  

especially before a vowel, heter-.

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

   heterocyclic.

---

hetero ¹ British  

/ ˈhɛtərəʊ /

noun

1. short for heterosexual

---

hetero- ² British  

combining form

1. other, another, or different Compare homo-

   heterodyne

   heterophony

   heterosexual

---

hetero– Scientific  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of hetero¹

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

Origin of hetero-²

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2024

But part of me wants to be more assertive in the workplace, especially important for a female, nonwhite, queer person working in a heavily cis, hetero, white male field.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2023

Even among hetero couples who share progressive gender politics, the question of surnames is typically directed toward the bride: Will she take his name, or keep hers?

From Washington Post • Nov. 22, 2022

The world of Navy SEALs is a very hetero male world.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2022

I really feel for this kid and the tough road he may have ahead of him if he likes anyone who isn’t a hetero girl.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera