Homosexuality
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ælɪti
Origin
homosexual + -ity.
Full definition of homosexuality
Noun
homosexuality
(usually uncountable; plural homosexualities)- The state of being sexually and romantically attracted primarily to persons of the same sex.
- Sexual activity with a person of the same sex.
Usage notes
Homosexuality in women is also known as lesbianism. As homosexuality applies to people of either sex, the expression homosexuality and lesbianism is redundant and is best replaced by homosexuality or lesbianism alone as appropriate. Different cultural constructions of same-sex love are collectively referred to as homosexualities.
Synonyms
- gayness, queerness
- lesbianism applied only to women
- uranism rare