heterogeneity

American  

[het-uh-roh-juh-nee-i-tee] / ˌhɛt ə roʊ dʒəˈni ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality or state of being heterogeneous; composition from dissimilar parts; disparateness.

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heterogeneity Cultural  

1. Cultural, social, biological, or other differences within a group. (Compare homogeneity.)

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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.

Example Sentences

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

Host heterogeneity has long been both a chief focus and a grand mystery in epidemiology.

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

“We cannot lose all the energy and complexity and heterogeneity of our cities.”

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2024

The physical heterogeneity may be seen at all exposures, and is illustrated in Plate XXXV.

From The Geography of the Region about Devils Lake and the Dalles of the Wisconsin by Atwood, Wallace W.