HOMOLOGOUS
Dictionary entry overview: What does homologous mean?
• HOMOLOGOUS (adjective)
The adjective HOMOLOGOUS has 2 senses:
1. having the same evolutionary origin but serving different functions
2. corresponding or similar in position or structure or function or characteristics; especially derived from an organism of the same species
Familiarity information: HOMOLOGOUS used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
• HOMOLOGOUS (adjective)
Meaning:
Having the same evolutionary origin but serving different functions
Context example:
the wing of a bat and the arm of a man are homologous
Similar:
homologic; homological (similar in evolutionary origin but not in function)
Domain category:
biological science; biology (the science that studies living organisms)
Antonym:
analogous (corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin)
heterologous (not corresponding in structure or evolutionary origin)
Meaning:
Corresponding or similar in position or structure or function or characteristics; especially derived from an organism of the same species
Context example:
a homologous tissue graft
Antonym:
autologous (derived from organisms of the selfsame individual)
heterologous (derived from organisms of a different but related species)
