homogeneity

American  

[hoh-muh-juh-nee-i-tee, hom-uh-] / ˌhoʊ mə dʒəˈni ɪ ti, ˌhɒm ə- /

Also homogeneousness

noun

1. composition from like parts, elements, or characteristics; state or quality of being homogeneous.

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homogeneity Cultural  

1. Cultural, social, biological, or other similarities within a group. (Compare heterogeneity.)

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Usage

What does homogeneity mean? Homogeneity is the state or quality of being homogeneous—consisting of parts or elements that are all the same.Something described as homogeneous is uniform in nature or character throughout. Homogeneous can also be used to describe multiple things that are all essentially alike or of the same kind. It’s especially used to refer to the state of a society, culture, or situation that lacks variety or diversity. The word is often used in the context of criticism that implies that such things are biased, boring, or bland.In the context of chemistry, homogeneous is used to describe a mixture that is uniform in structure or composition. Homogeneity can be used to refer to the state of such a mixture.The general sense of homogeneous can be used interchangeably with the word homogenous (which is spelled without a second e and is pronounced differently). When used in this general way, homogenous is more commonly used than homogeneous. Homogeneity can be used in reference to either word.The opposite of homogeneity is heterogeneity, which is the state of being heterogeneous—consisting of different, distinguishable parts or elements.Example: The homogeneity of this suburb is extreme—even the houses all look the same.

Other Word Forms

• nonhomogeneity noun

Etymology

Origin of homogeneity

First recorded in 1615–25; from Medieval Latin homogeneitās, from homogene(us) homogeneous + -itās -ity