C19: after Sappho, who is believed to have been a lesbian
Sapphism in American English
(ˈsæfˌɪzəm)
noun
[sometimess-]
female homosexuality
Derived forms
Sapphist (ˈSapphist)
noun
sapphism in American English
(ˈsæfɪzəm)
noun
lesbianism
Derived forms
sapphist
noun
Word origin
[1885–90; sapph(o) + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1885–90. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: classified, lineup, retread, roller coaster, toner-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)