Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who may be identified by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality. It may also be used as an adjective to describe characteristics of an object or activity as related to female same-sex desire.Although female homosexuality has appeared in many cultures throughout time, not until recently has lesbian described a group of people. In the late 19th century sexologists published their observations on same-sex desire and behavior, designating lesbians in Western culture as a unique entity. As a result, women who became aware of their new medical status formed underground subcultures in Europe and North America. Further broadening of the term occurred in the 1970s, influenced by second wave feminism. Historians since have re-examined relationships between women in history, and have questioned what qualifies a woman or a relationship as lesbian.
