noun. word with an alternate meaning that is used to warn others in any given situation when an conversation is either inappropriate or should not be heard by outside parties attempting to listen

Referring to women who are sexually or romantically attracted to other women. Applies to both lesbians and bisexual women, as it is only the same-sex attraction that matters, not any other attractions the women may have.

Originates from the Greek poet Sappho, a bisexual woman from the Isle of Lesbos, from which we get the term lesbian.