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

heteros 

1. Informal.,  a heterosexual person.

hetero-

²

especially before a vowel, heter-.

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-

   heterodyne

   heterophony

   heterosexual

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 for def. 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

That behavior – namely, hetero dudes needing to affirm that they’re straight, and nothing like the queer person in their midst — is often a core driver of homophobic humor and homophobia, Becker said.

From Salon

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