heterogeneity

[ het-uh-roh-juh-nee-i-tee ]

noun

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

heterogeneity

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterogeneity¹

From the Medieval Latin word heterogeneitās, dating back to 1635–45. See heterogeneous, -ity

Example Sentences

Some have prioritized a parameter that reflects the heterogeneity and variance involved in disease transmission.

From Quanta Magazine

So when the world was looking at data centers, clients and servers, and adopting the Internet, I think managed infrastructure services had huge amounts of value because people were struggling with that heterogeneity and that complexity.

From Fortune

Especially in the United States,” he added, “where you have such heterogeneity.

From The Daily Beast

This theory is no original idea, it is Mr. McLennan's mode of accounting for the heterogeneity of the local group.

From Project Gutenberg

It cannot be repeated too often that it is not sameness of function, but heterogeneity of function, that unity requires.

From Project Gutenberg

The trait to which we allude we shall call (for want of a better term) the tenurial heterogeneity of the burgesses.

From Project Gutenberg

But this tenurial heterogeneity seems to be an attribute of all or nearly all the very ancient boroughs, the county towns.

From Project Gutenberg

That tenurial heterogeneity of which we have been speaking had another important effect.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Heterogeneity

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.

Where does heterogeneity come from?

The first record of the word heterogeneity comes from around 1640. It ultimately comes from the Greek heterogenḗs, from hetero–, meaning “different,” and génos, meaning “kind.” The suffix -ity is used to form nouns.

In general, things that are homogeneous are all the same, and things that are heterogeneous consist of a variety of different parts. The word homogeneity is often used in the context of criticism that implies that such things are biased, boring, or bland. Heterogeneity is sometimes used in the opposite sense, such as in praise of the variety of a culture. However, heterogeneity is perhaps most often used in a scientific context as a more technical way of saying variety or diversity.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to heterogeneity?

• heterogeneous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for heterogeneity?

• diversity
• variety

What are some words that share a root or word element with heterogeneity? 

• homogeneity
• heterosexual
• heterodox

What are some words that often get used in discussing heterogeneity?

• different
• mixture
• part
• chemistry
• substance
• phases of matter

What are some words heterogeneity may be commonly confused with?

• homogeneity

How is heterogeneity used in real life?

Heterogeneity is often used in a scientific context, but it can also be used in a general way.

Beauty lives in heterogeneity, homogeneity is boredom.

— asok putiyan (@asokputiyan) November 26, 2014

Meh. I don't think socialists are any worse about trashing Dems than Dems are about trashing socialists. Personally, I expect some level of heterogeneity in any political party and it doesn't bother me.

— Elizabeth Spiers (@espiers) July 22, 2018

Nanopore long-reads have been used characterise spatial isoforms, sequence heterogeneity in tissue sections and detect alternative splicing events and allele-specific expression — previously not possible using short reads methods.https://t.co/YkoeZwE4AF pic.twitter.com/JhowyHWj58

— Oxford Nanopore (@nanopore) September 1, 2020

 

 

Try using heterogeneity!

Which of the following things would NOT be considered to be in a state of heterogeneity?

A. a bowl of mixed nuts
B. a glass of water
C. a glass of ice water
D. water with sand in it