homologue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, formal, academic (especially in biology, chemistry, genetics).
Quick answer
What does “homologue” mean?
Something that has the same relation, position, value, or structure as something else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something that has the same relation, position, value, or structure as something else; a counterpart. In biology: an organ or structure in one species that corresponds in position and evolutionary origin to another organ/structure in a different species.
In chemistry, one of a series of compounds differing by a repeating unit (e.g., a CH2 group). More broadly, any thing or concept that is equivalent or corresponds in a systematic way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in formal scientific contexts. In general use, the word is rare; when used, British English may be slightly more likely to employ the spelling 'homolog' (without the 'ue') in non-biological technical writing, but 'homologue' remains standard in biology.
Connotations
Highly technical and precise. Connotes scientific rigour and systematic classification.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively found in scientific literature, particularly genetics, evolutionary biology, and chemistry.
Grammar
How to Use “homologue” in a Sentence
The X is a homologue of Y.X and Y are homologues.X acts as the homologue for Y.Researchers searched for a homologue in the mouse genome.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homologue” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The whale's flipper is considered the homologue of the human hand.
- This chemical is the next homologue in the alkane series.
- They could not find a clear homologue for this protein in yeast.
American English
- The gene's mouse homologue was sequenced last year.
- Each chromosome has a homologue from the other parent.
- Methyl bromide is a homologue of the simpler chloromethane.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology, chemistry, genetics to describe corresponding genes, chromosomes, or compounds. 'The researchers identified a homologue of the human gene in Drosophila.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound highly technical and possibly pretentious.
Technical
Core context. Describes corresponding parts in different systems, e.g., software, engineering (rare), but predominantly life sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homologue”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homologue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homologue”
- Misspelling as 'homolog' in formal biological texts (though acceptable in AmE chemistry).
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'similar thing' instead of implying systematic/positional equivalence.
- Confusing with 'homologous' (adjective) and using 'homologue' as an adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A homologue implies a shared evolutionary or structural origin (like a human arm and a bat wing). An analogue implies a similar function but different evolutionary origin (like a bird wing and a butterfly wing).
It is extremely rare and would sound overly technical. Words like 'counterpart' or 'equivalent' are almost always better in everyday or business contexts.
'Homologue' is the broader term. 'Orthologue' is a specific type of homologue: genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene by speciation. All orthologues are homologues, but not all homologues are orthologues (some are paralogues, within the same species).
In British English: HOM-uh-log. In American English: HAH-muh-log. The stress is on the first syllable.
Something that has the same relation, position, value, or structure as something else.
Homologue is usually technical, formal, academic (especially in biology, chemistry, genetics). in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HOMO' meaning 'same' (as in homogeneous) and 'LOGUE' meaning 'speech' or 'relation' (as in dialogue). A homologue is something that has a 'same-relation' to another thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITIONAL TWINS IN DIFFERENT FAMILIES; A CORRESPONDING PIECE IN A DIFFERENT PUZZLE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'homologue' MOST specifically and frequently used?