definitions

analogous

[ uh-nal-uh-guhs ]
/ əˈnæl ə gəs /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR analogous ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

having analogy; corresponding in some particular: A brain and a computer are analogous.
Biology. corresponding in function, but not evolved from corresponding organs, as the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird.

Nearby words

analogical, analogion, analogism, analogist, analogize, analogous, analogous color, analogue, analogue clock, analogue recording, analogue-digital converter

Origin of analogous

1640–50; < Latin analogus < Greek análogos proportionate, equivalent to ana- ana- + lóg(os) ratio + -os adj. suffix; see -ous

Related forms

Can be confused

analogous analogical
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for analogous

British Dictionary definitions for analogous

analogous

/ (əˈnæləɡəs) /

adjective

similar or corresponding in some respect
biology (of organs and parts) having the same function but different evolutionary originthe paddle of a whale and the fin of a fish are analogous Compare homologous (def. 4)
linguistics formed by analogyan analogous plural

Derived Forms

analogously, adverbanalogousness, noun

Word Origin for analogous

C17: from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos proportionate, from ana- + logos speech, ratio

usage

The use of with after analogous should be avoided: swimming has no event that is analogous to (not with) the 100 metres in athletics
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for analogous

analogous

[ ə-năl′ə-gəs ]

adj.

Similar in function but not in structure and evolutionary origin.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for analogous

analogous

[ ə-năl′ə-gəs ]

Similar in function but having different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.
Similar in chemical properties and differing in chemical structure only with respect to one element or group.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.