The spelling of the word "uranism" may seem unusual at first, but it follows the conventions of the English language. The word refers to homosexuality, specifically male homosexuality. It is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /jʊˈræn.ɪz.əm/. The first syllable, "ur", is pronounced like "hur" without the "h". The second and third syllables, "an" and "ism", are pronounced like "an" and "izm", respectively. "Uranism" is a term that has been used since the late 19th century, coined by the German lawyer, Karl Heinrich Ulrichs.
Uranism, also known as "Uranianism," is a term referring to homosexuality, particularly male homosexuality, that originated in the late 19th century. The word is derived from the Greek deity Uranus, who was associated with the sky and heavens. Uranism was used by early sexologists and psychologists to describe individuals who were primarily sexually attracted to members of the same sex.
During this time period, many societies considered homosexuality to be taboo and immoral. As such, the term "uranism" was created to provide a more scientific and neutral perspective on same-sex attraction. It aimed to emphasize that homosexuality was a natural and inherent sexual orientation, rather than a deviant behavior, as it was often perceived.
Uranism served as a way to separate same-sex attraction from the criminal and pathological associations that were common during that era. It allowed researchers and scholars to study and discuss homosexuality from an objective standpoint.
However, it is important to note that the term "uranism" is deemed outdated and is not widely used in contemporary discussions on homosexuality. Over time, society's understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals have evolved, and inclusive and respectful terms, such as "homosexuality" or "gay," are now more commonly employed.
Unnatural sexual relations between men; urnism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "uranism" is derived from the name of the planet Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun in our solar system. The term was first introduced by the German writer Karl Heinrich Ulrichs in the mid-19th century. Ulrichs used "uranism" as a euphemism for homosexuality, particularly male homosexuality. He chose this term because the planet Uranus was believed to represent unconventionality or deviation from the norm in astrology. This association led Ulrichs to coin the term "uranism" to describe same-sex attraction.