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WSW - Women Who Have Sex With Women

By Elizabeth Boskey, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: November 20, 2007

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Definition: An acronym used by scientists to mean women who have sex with women. Scientists often use this term, and MSM, rather than gay, lesbian, or bisexual, because sometimes individuals who do not identify as queer will still engage in sexual activity with a same gender partner. This is particularly useful for research studies about sexually transmitted diseases where who you say you are may be less important than who you are sleeping with.

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