The term "cis" has multiple meanings depending on the context. Here are some of the most common meanings:
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Cisgender: This is the most common meaning of "cis." It is short for "cisgender," which is a term used to describe a person whose gender identity is the same as the gender assigned to them at birth. For example, if a person is assigned male at birth and identifies as a boy or man, they would be considered cisgender.
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Prefix: "Cis" is a Latin prefix that means "on the same side as". It is the opposite of "trans," which means "on the opposite side as". The prefix "cis" has been used in various scientific disciplines for centuries, such as in chemistry, geography, and genetics.
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Commonwealth of Independent States: "CIS" can also refer to the Commonwealth of Independent States, which is a regional intergovernmental organization of former Soviet republics.
Its important to note that the term "cis" is often used in the context of gender identity and is not meant to be derogatory or offensive. It simply describes a person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.