HOMOLOGOUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Homologous is an adjective that refers to two or more things that share a similar structure, function, or origin, often implying a common ancestry. It is derived from the Greek word "homologos," which means "having the same ratio."
In biology, the term homologous is commonly used to describe features, organs, or traits that are similar in different species due to a shared evolutionary past. These homologous structures may have different functions or appearances in various species, but their underlying structure remains similar. For example, the forelimbs of vertebrates, such as humans, bats, and whales, are homologous as they all share a common bone structure, despite their diverse functions.
Homologous can also refer to genes or DNA sequences that are similar between different organisms, suggesting a shared ancestry and indicating an evolutionary relationship. Homologous genes often retain similar functions across species, even if they have undergone slight modifications.
The concept of homology extends beyond biology to other fields, such as mathematics and chemistry. In mathematics, homologous refers to geometric or algebraic objects that possess analogous properties or structure. In chemistry, it denotes compounds that have similar chemical structures and exhibit comparable properties, but they may differ in certain components or functional groups.
Overall, the term homologous signifies the presence of similarities in structure, function, or origin between different objects, regardless of their field or context.
-
Noting a homologue; having a general definite relation to others in a series; in zoology, having a correspondence in position or development, though not in function, with a part in another animal, noting, for example, the wing of a bird, the fore-leg of a quadruped, and the arm of man.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
Having the same ratio or proportion; constructed on the same plan, though differing in form and function.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HOMOLOGOUS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HOMOLOGOUS
Etymology of HOMOLOGOUS
The word "homologous" has its roots in the Greek language. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "homo", meaning "same" or "similar", and "logos", meaning "word" or "relation". Therefore, "homologous" can be understood as something that exhibits a similar relation or correspondence. In biology and genetics, it is commonly used to describe similar structures or traits in different species that share a common evolutionary origin.
Similar spelling words for HOMOLOGOUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
