Lesbic
/ˈlɛz.bɪk/noun
Relating to the Greek island of Lesbos or to female homosexuality.
Did you know?The term ultimately connects to Sappho, the archaic Greek poet from Lesbos whose surviving love poetry gave the island’s name its modern sexual meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Λέσβος (Lésbos)
“Lesbos, an island in the northeastern Aegean; the name’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λεσβιακός (lesbiakós)
“Of or relating to Lesbos.”
Classical Greek
Greek
λεσβιάζειν (lesbiázein)
“To imitate the speech or customs associated with Lesbos; later, to practice sexual acts associated with Lesbos.”
Late Latin
Latin
lesbicus
“Of Lesbos.”
19th Century
English
lesbic
“Relating to Lesbos or to female homosexuality.”
Modern English
English
lesbic
“A rare adjective meaning lesbian or pertaining to Lesbos.”
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