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.
"It's a level of heterogeneity I've never experienced before," said Jerome Despey, chairman of the wine advisory board at the public agency FranceAgriMer and a winegrower in the southern Herault department.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
That heterogeneity isn’t what the defenders of small private liberal-arts colleges are arguing about.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026
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
But how is that kind of heterogeneity insured which is required to carry on life?
From Herbert Spencer by J. Arthur (John Arthur) Thomson
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