sexual orientation

Word Origin

noun

one's natural preference in sexual partners; predilection for homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.

Origin

1990-1995

1990-95

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2014.
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sexual orientation in Medicine

sexual orientation n.
The direction of one's sexual interest toward members of the same, opposite, or both sexes, especially a direction seen to be dictated by physiologic rather than sociologic forces. Replaces sexual preference in most contemporary uses.

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

sexual orientation definition

Preference for sexual activity with people of the opposite sex, the same sex, or both. (See bisexuality, heterosexuality, and homosexuality.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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