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