homo

The word “homo” means whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat is evenly distributed. In plain terms, has two very different everyday uses: an informal Canadian/regional term for homogenized milk, and a dated slur — context makes clear which is meant.

“Homo” is pronounced HOH-moh (/ˈhoʊ.moʊ/ in IPA).

Here is “homo” used in a sentence: “He picked up a carton of homo on the way home for the kids' cereal.”

Depending on how it is used, “homo” can be a noun and an adjective.

“Homo” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Homo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat is evenly distributed.

In this sense, homo is short for homogenized milk, meaning whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat particles are evenly distributed rather than separating out as cream. This term is common in everyday grocery and dairy contexts, especially in Canada.

As an adjective relating to homosexuality, homo is a slang term that is often considered offensive and is best avoided in formal, professional, or polite speech. It carries a very different meaning from the dairy sense, so context matters a great deal.

The two senses come from unrelated sources: the milk sense is a shortened form of 'homogenized,' while the other is a clipped, informal form related to 'homosexual.' Because the meanings are unrelated, the intended sense is usually obvious from context, such as a grocery aisle versus a conversation about identity.