hetero-

¹

especially before a vowel, heter-.

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

   heterocyclic.

hetero

²

[het-uh-roh]

adjective

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

2. Informal.,  heterosexual.

noun

plural

heteros 

1. Informal.,  a heterosexual person.

hetero-

¹

combining form

1. other, another, or different Compare homo-

   heterodyne

   heterophony

   heterosexual

hetero

²

/ ˈhɛtərəʊ /

noun

1. short for heterosexual

hetero–

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hetero-¹

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

Origin of hetero-²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hetero-¹

from Greek heteros other

Example Sentences

That behavior – namely, hetero dudes needing to affirm that they’re straight, and nothing like the queer person in their midst — is often a core driver of homophobic humor and homophobia, Becker said.

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In the last decade I’ve befriended hetero and queer women, gay men and non-binary folks.

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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.

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Schussel is proof that hetero opposite sex relationships are possible, but she has boundaries too.

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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.

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