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homology

[ huh-mol-uh-jee, hoh- ]
/ həˈmɒl ə dʒi, hoʊ- /
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See synonyms for homology on Thesaurus.com
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

Words nearby homology

homologous chromosomes, homolographic, homolographic projection, homologue, homologumena, homology, homolosine projection, homolysis, homomorphic, homomorphism, Homo naledi
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to homology

comparison, correlation, metaphor, parallel, civil rights, coordination, equal opportunity, fairness, identity, impartiality, parity, tolerance, affinity, alikeness, correspondence, equivalence, likeness, relation, relationship, resemblance

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-mŏl′ə-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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