gynosexual
|gyn-o-sex-u-al|
/ˌɡaɪnəˈsɛkʃuəl/
attraction to women
Etymology
'gynosexual' is a modern formation combining the Greek prefix 'gyn(o)-' from Greek 'gynē' meaning 'woman' and the English adjective 'sexual' ultimately from Latin 'sexus' meaning 'sex'.
'gynē' (Greek) gave the combining form 'gyn(o)-' used in New Latin and scientific coinages; 'sexual' comes from Latin 'sexualis' via post-Classical/Modern Latin and French into English. These elements were combined in English to form the compound 'gynosexual'.
Initially, the components meant 'woman' and 'relating to sex'; together in modern English they came to mean 'sexually attracted to women' or 'relating to sexual attraction toward women'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is sexually attracted to women; someone who experiences sexual attraction toward women or femininity.
A gynosexual may be attracted to women regardless of their own gender.
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Adjective 1
sexually attracted to women or femininity; used to describe a person whose sexual attraction is toward women, regardless of the person's own gender.
They identify as gynosexual.
Synonyms
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Last updated: 2026/01/18 07:08