hetero-

¹ American  

especially before a vowel, heter-.

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

   heterocyclic.

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hetero ² 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.

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noun

plural

heteros

1. Informal. a heterosexual person.

hetero ¹ British  

/ ˈhɛtərəʊ /

noun

1. short for heterosexual

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hetero- ² British  

combining form

1. other, another, or different Compare homo-

   heterodyne

   heterophony

   heterosexual

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hetero– Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of hetero-¹

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

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

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

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

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