tribade

[ trib-uhd ]

noun

1. lesbian ( def 1 ).

tribade

/ trɪˈbædɪk; ˈtrɪbəd /

noun

1. a lesbian, esp one who practises tribadism

Derived Forms

• tribadic, adjective

Other Words From

• tri·bad·ic [trih-, bad, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribade¹

1595–1605; < French < Latin tribad- (stem of tribas ) < Greek tribás, equivalent to trib-, variant stem of trī́b ( ein ) to rub + -as (stem -ad- ) -ade ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribade¹

C17: from Latin tribas , from Greek tribein to rub

Example Sentences

Indeed, terms such as “tribade” and “sapphism” competed with “lesbian” or “lesbianism” throughout the 19th century and into the 20th, sometimes rivalling them in prominence.

From Washington Post

Each of the victims, he continues, “was flanked by tribades, who were free of all such intricate harnesses.”

From New York Times

It is called Lesbian love or saphism; and the women inverts are known as tribades.

From Project Gutenberg

The common euphemism employed when speaking of two tribades who live together is that they 'live apart.'

From Project Gutenberg

Heinel of the Opera was settling in England, added: "Her taste for women will there find attractive satisfaction, for though Paris furnishes many tribades it is said that London is herein superior."

From Project Gutenberg