hetero

[ het-uh-roh ]

/ ˈhɛt əˌroʊ /

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adjective

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

Informal. heterosexual.

noun, plural het·er·os.

Informal. a heterosexual person.

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ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

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Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

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Origin of hetero

1930–35 for def. 2; (in def. 1) by shortening of heteroatom; (in def. 2) by shortening of heterosexual; see -o

Words nearby hetero

het, hetaera, hetaerism, hetaira, heterarchy, hetero, heteroaromatic, heteroatom, heteroauxin, heteroblastic, heterocarpy

Other definitions for hetero (2 of 2)

hetero-

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

Also especially before a vowel, heter-.

Origin of hetero-

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use hetero in a sentence

Whether hetero or LGBTQ, no matter how much we love our parents, we don’t want to become like our folks when we’re elders.
Stupid things not to do when you get old|Kathi Wolfe|October 7, 2021|Washington Blade
Other major franchises like Fast and Furious and Jurassic Park, despite having sprawling casts, remain steadfastly hetero.
How Loki's Bisexuality Fits Into the History of LGBTQ+ Representation in the MCU|Eliana Dockterman|June 23, 2021|Time
Because it’s certainly not going to change unless men get onboard, especially cis-hetero men.
How to be a feminist dad|Amy Joyce|June 17, 2021|Washington Post
There are LGBTQ, disabled people just as there are hetero folks with disabilities.
Opinion | Welcome visibility for queer, disabled people|Kathi Wolfe|June 15, 2021|Washington Blade

Not even in the fabulous, but hetero, music of the era from the Beatles to Smokey Robinson to Joni Mitchell.
Opinion | Folk singer Alix Dobkin’s work was life-changing|Kathi Wolfe|May 29, 2021|Washington Blade
That being said, it's sort of crazy that the two hot chicks end up sucking face for SO MUCH LONGER than any of the hetero couples.
High-End Pervs Film Benedict Cumberbatch and Reese Witherspoon Sucking Face|Amy Zimmerman|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The monogamous or safe-only gay man is a far safer bet than the unprotected hetero swinger.
The Outrageous Celibacy Requirement for Gay Blood Donors|Jay Michaelson|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Does he mean that the non-hetero-dyad family is a “political notion”?
Is Pope Francis Backpedaling on Gays?|Jay Michaelson|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Gays observe hetero-excitement over the lumbersexual with a weary eyeroll.
How Straight World Stole ‘Gay’: The Last Gasp of the ‘Lumbersexual’|Tim Teeman|November 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And the private “chapel” reportedly gives its newlyweds a conservative Christian CD with hetero-reinforcing marriage sermons.
Refusing to Marry Same-Sex Couples Isn’t Religious Freedom, It’s Just Discrimination|Sally Kohn|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Should you have any questions on self-hypnosis or hetero-hypnosis, I shall be pleased to answer you.
A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis|Melvin Powers
The view here given will be discussed in the chapter on hetero-styled plants.
The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, Volume II (of II)|Charles Darwin
Her sexual appetite had thus taken the normal direction under the influence of a hetero-sexual affection.
The Sexual Question|August Forel
Even in hetero-hypnosis, the subject really controls the response to suggestions.
A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis|Melvin Powers
Even in hetero-hypnosis, where the hypnotist hypnotizes a subject, it is extremely rare.
A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis|Melvin Powers

British Dictionary definitions for hetero (1 of 2)

hetero

/ (ˈhɛtərəʊ) informal /

noun, adjective plural -os

short for heterosexual

British Dictionary definitions for hetero (2 of 2)

hetero-

combining form

other, another, or differentheterodyne; heterophony; heterosexual Compare homo-

Word Origin for hetero-

from Greek heteros other

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for hetero

hetero-

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