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homosexual

 - 5 dictionary results

ho⋅mo⋅sex⋅u⋅al

[hoh-muh-sek-shoo-uhl or, especially Brit., -seks-yoo-]
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or exhibiting homosexuality.
2. of, pertaining to, or noting the same sex.
–noun
3. a homosexual person.

Origin:
1890–95; homo- + sexual


See gay.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To homosexual
ho·mo·sex·u·al   (hō'mə-sěk'shōō-əl, -mō-)   
adj.  Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex.
n.   Usage Problem
A homosexual person; a gay man or a lesbian.
Usage Note: Many people now avoid using homosexual because of the emphasis this term places on sexuality. Indeed, the words gay and lesbian, which stress cultural and social matters over sex, are frequently better choices. Homosexual is most objectionable when used as a noun; here gay man and gay woman or lesbian and their plural forms are called for. It is generally unobjectionable when used adjectivally, as in a homosexual relationship, although gay, lesbian, or same-sex are also available for adjectival use. See Usage Note at gay.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 1ho·mo·sex·u·al
Pronunciation: "hO-m&-'seksh-(&-)w&l, -'sek-sh&l
Function: adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward individuals of one's own sex —compare HETEROSEXUAL 1a
2 : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between individuals of the same sex —compare HETEROSEXUAL 1b —ho·mo·sex·u·al·ly /-E/ adverb

Main Entry: 2homosexual
Function: noun
: a homosexual individual and especially a male
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

homosexual ho·mo·sex·u·al (hō'mə-sěk'sh&oomacr;-əl, -mō-)
adj.
Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex. n.
A homosexual person; a gay man or a lesbian.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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