homology

[ huh-mol-uh-jee, hoh- ]

noun

, plural ho·mol·o·gies.

1. the state of being homologous; homologous relation or correspondence.
2. 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.
3. Chemistry. the similarity of organic compounds of a series in which each member differs from its adjacent compounds by a fixed increment, as by CH 2 .
4. Mathematics. a classification of figures according to certain topological properties.

homology

/ həʊˈmɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being homologous
2. chem the similarities in chemical behaviour shown by members of a homologous series
3. zoology the measurable likenesses between animals, as used in grouping them according to the theory of cladistics

homology

/ hə-mŏl′ə-jē /

1. A homologous relationship or correspondence.
2. The relation of the chemical elements of a periodic family or group.
3. The relation of the organic compounds forming a homologous series.
4. A topological classification of configurations into distinct types that imposes an algebraic structure or hierarchy on families of geometric figures.

Word History and Origins

Origin of homology¹

1650–60; < Greek homología agreement, equivalent to homólog ( os ) homologous + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of homology¹

C17: from Greek homologia agreement, from homologos agreeing; see homologate

Example Sentences

However, homology between trunk somites and such head segments has been controversial.

From Science Daily

Mathematician Jose Perea of Northeastern University and a team of computational biologists used persistent homology to find periodic biological processes—those that repeat at regular intervals.

From Scientific American

Serpell and other scientists tend to characterize this position as an overcorrection, but those who espouse it often begin by questioning the homology between dogs and wolves.

From Washington Post

It has some of the same molecular homology as SARS.

From Scientific American

“Comparing to both of them and showing strong homology to both of them, we’ve kind of covered the range of what one would see in the mouse cortex,” Lein says.

From Scientific American

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