Heterosexual or heterosexuality is a physical and/or romantic desire to the opposite sex. For a male this means being attracted to female and vice versa.

The word heterosexual is a combination of two words. "Hetero" is a Greek word meaning "other" or "different". "Sexual" is a Latin word relating to "sex" or "sexuality".

Amongst humans and many other species on earth heterosexual reproduction is the only method of species reproduction.

Over many centuries, particularly by organized religions, the practice of heterosexuality is positively encouraged and in some faiths is core to the belief.

In the 20th/21st century other forms of sexuality have become more in vogue and acceptable. In particular homosexuality (love for the same sex) and bisexuality (love for both sexes) have become much more commonplace.

There are other types of sexuality than heterosexuality, these are listed below:

• Asexual - A lack of desire/attraction for sex of any type.
• Bisexual - A desire for sex with both male and female genders.
• Homosexual - A desire for sex with the same sex as yourself.
• Pansexual - Attraction or desire for people regardless of their gender identity or biological sex.
• Polysexual - Similar to bisexual, but for people who believe there are more than two genders.

The word "heterosexual" is a combination of two words, one Greek and one Latin, as explained below:

• "Hetero" - comes from the Greek word heteros, "other, another, or different"http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hetero-
• "Sexual" - is the Latin for sex, "Of, relating to, involving, or characteristic of sex, sexuality, the sexes, or the sex organs and their functions."http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sexual

Considerable ongoing debate arises about what determines the sexuality of human beings.

Various religions/faiths say sexuality is naturally "heterosexual".

Professionals in various fields (Psychologists)/(Sociologists) say there are various "nature" and "nurture" factors, which determine a person's sexuality.

Nature factors include a person's genes, hormones exposed to in the womb and a range of other natural influences.

Nurture factors include, the acceptability of homosexuality / other sexuality in a persons life, the people you know and institutionalization.