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• hetero
  hetero

  adjective

  of or relating to an atom other than carbon, particularly in a cyclic compound.
• hetero-
  hetero-

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

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

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.

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noun

heteros plural

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.

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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 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; see -o

Origin of hetero-²

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

Example Sentences

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 • Oct. 5, 2023

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’ve spent my whole life watching a successful romantic relationship between Jupe’s two dads, who I totally consider my dads, too, but the only good hetero relationship I’ve ever seen was my parents’.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone