Sexually or romantically attracted to people of the opposite sex.
Coined in 1892 by combining Greek heteros meaning 'other, different' with Latin sexualis meaning 'relating to sex'. Interestingly, it was created after 'homosexual' (1869) as medical terminology to describe what was then considered the 'normal' orientation.
The word 'heterosexual' is actually newer than 'homosexual' - it was invented by medical professionals who realized they needed a term for 'non-homosexual' attraction, showing how the creation of one category often necessitates naming its opposite. This reveals how our vocabulary shapes and reflects social understanding of human sexuality.
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