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homology

[ huh-mol-uh-jee, hoh- ]
/ həˈmɒl ə dʒi, hoʊ- /
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noun, plural ho·mol·o·gies.
the state of being homologous; homologous relation or correspondence.
Biology.
  1. a fundamental similarity based on common descent.
  2. a structural similarity of two segments of one animal based on a common developmental origin.
Chemistry. the similarity of organic compounds of a series in which each member differs from its adjacent compounds by a fixed increment, as by CH2.
Mathematics. a classification of figures according to certain topological properties.
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Origin of homology

1650–60; <Greek homología agreement, equivalent to homólog(os) homologous + -ia-y3
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use homology in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for homology

homology
/ (həʊˈmɒlədʒɪ) /

noun plural -gies
the condition of being homologous
chem the similarities in chemical behaviour shown by members of a homologous series
zoology the measurable likenesses between animals, as used in grouping them according to the theory of cladistics

Word Origin for homology

C17: from Greek homologia agreement, from homologos agreeing; see homologate
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

Scientific definitions for homology

homology
[ hə-mŏlə-jē ]

A homologous relationship or correspondence.
The relation of the chemical elements of a periodic family or group.
The relation of the organic compounds forming a homologous series.
A topological classification of configurations into distinct types that imposes an algebraic structure or hierarchy on families of geometric figures.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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