heterogeneity
Americannoun
Usage
What does heterogeneity mean? Heterogeneity is the state or quality of being heterogeneous—consisting of different, distinguishable parts or elements. Heterogeneous is used in a more specific way in the context of chemistry to describe a mixture consisting of two or more different substances or the same substance in different phases of matter (such as ice and liquid water). Heterogeneity can refer to the state of such a mixture. The opposite of heterogeneity is homogeneity, which is the state of being homogeneous—consisting of parts or elements that are all the same. Example: The strength of the exhibit is its heterogeneity—it features a mix of artifacts from different cultures and eras.
Etymology
Origin of heterogeneity
From the Medieval Latin word heterogeneitās, dating back to 1635–45. See heterogeneous, -ity
Explanation
Heterogeneity is a word that signifies diversity. A classroom consisting of people from lots of different backgrounds would be considered having the quality of heterogeneity. The prefix hetero- means "other or different," while the prefix homo- means "the same." Heterogeneity is often used in contrast to homogeneity, which is when two or more people or things are alike. Heterogeneity can also refer to something that is made up of lots of different elements, like a local dialect composed of various languages.
Vocabulary lists containing heterogeneity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That heterogeneity isn’t what the defenders of small private liberal-arts colleges are arguing about.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
The technical focus and heterogeneity of artworks, styles and geographies in these first spaces make for a cluttered opening, leaving the undeniable charisma of Khmer sculpture to wait until subsequent rooms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025
How do demographic features such as age and sex drive this heterogeneity?
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2025
Their data show how genetic and non-genetic factors determine the functional heterogeneity of blood cancer cells and reveal new therapeutic targets.
From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024
Another characteristic of the drift is its physical heterogeneity.
From The Geography of the Region about Devils Lake and the Dalles of the Wisconsin by Atwood, Wallace W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
