The term sisterhood is an informal abbreviation that refers to being a sister. It is usually used when addressing siblings directly. The term also has a negative connotation, which relates to an effeminate man. In addition to describing the quality of being a sister, sisterhood also refers to the society of sisters. This is because two or more sisters can share the same genes and experiences, which may contribute to the onset of breast cancer.
The word sister is derived from the Old English word sweoster, which is cognate to the Latin term soror. It describes a female with whom one shares parents. A sister can also be a female with whom one shares interests or who mentors another female. It can also refer to an older female sibling, which is referred to as a big sister.
The term sister is also used to describe a woman who is a member of a religious community. There are several religious orders that refer to themselves as congregations or orders. Examples of such congregations include the Benedictine Order and the Congregation of the Sacred Heart. Women who join these communities practice their religion through simple, perpetual vows and live a contemplative lifestyle in cloisters.
Sister companies often work closely together, offering special pricing deals, consolidating marketing desks, or even collaborating on joint marketing. For example, a fabric manufacturer might partner with a furniture retailer to produce and market fabric. As a company grows, the lines between sister companies may become blurred. One multimedia giant counts Viacom Inc. as a subsidiary, while another subsidiary, Viacom Media Networks, is considered a sister company. The latter company owns Nickelode TV channels, BET, and Spike.
The Sisters of Life are a religious order of women within the Roman Catholic Church. They follow Augustinian rule and are actively involved in promoting anti-abortion causes. Their name stands for “Sorores Vitae,” which is Latin for “Sisters of Life.” This order is based in Rome.