hetero

[ het-uh-roh ]

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.

Origin of hetero

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

Other definitions for hetero- (2 of 2)

hetero-

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

Origin of hetero-

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

Also especially before a vowel, heter-.

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

How to use hetero in a sentence

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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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, adjectiveplural -os

short for heterosexual

British Dictionary definitions for hetero- (2 of 2)

hetero-

combining form

other, another, or different: heterodyne; heterophony; heterosexual Compare homo-

Origin of 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.

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