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

plural

heteros

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  

combining form

1. other, another, or different Compare homo-

   heterodyne

   heterophony

   heterosexual

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hetero ² British  

/ ˈhɛtərəʊ /

noun

1. short for 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; -o

Origin of hetero-²

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

Example Sentences

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 • Apr. 30, 2024

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

The world of Navy SEALs is a very hetero male world.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2022

Being raised in a society without men, her outlook was not been formed on the binary or even hetero.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2022

I really feel for this kid and the tough road he may have ahead of him if he likes anyone who isn’t a hetero girl.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera