homology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “homology” mean?
A fundamental structural correspondence between two things, often due to shared ancestry or origin, especially in biology and mathematics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fundamental structural correspondence between two things, often due to shared ancestry or origin, especially in biology and mathematics.
In mathematics, a sequence of algebraic objects (like groups) constructed from a topological space to study its structure. In biology, the state of having the same relation, relative position, or structure due to common evolutionary descent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The word is used identically in academic contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language in both regions. Frequency is confined to specialist academic literature.
Grammar
How to Use “homology” in a Sentence
homology between X and Yhomology of X (with Y)homology in [a system/structure]show/demonstrate/establish homologyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- These genes are said to homologise across species.
- The sequences were aligned to homologise their regions.
American English
- These genes are said to homologize across species.
- The sequences were aligned to homologize their regions.
adverb
British English
- The structures develop homologously.
- The genes are expressed homologously in both embryos.
American English
- The structures develop homologously.
- The genes are expressed homologously in both embryos.
adjective
British English
- The homological algebra course was challenging.
- They identified homologue chromosomes.
American English
- The homological algebra course was challenging.
- They identified homologous chromosomes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core domain. Used in biology (comparative anatomy, genetics), mathematics (algebraic topology, homological algebra), and anthropology/linguistics for structural comparisons.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise, formal use as defined in specific scientific disciplines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homology”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homology”
- Using 'homology' as a fancy synonym for 'similarity' in general conversation.
- Confusing 'homology' with 'analogy' in biology (analogy is similar function from different origins).
- Misspelling as 'homology'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Homology indicates shared ancestry (e.g., human arm and bat wing). Analogy indicates similar function from independent evolution (e.g., bird wing and insect wing).
Rarely, and only in highly academic social science or philosophical writing to describe deep structural correspondences, not everyday similarities.
No. It is a specialised term (C2 level) almost exclusively used in academic and technical writing.
The primary adjective is 'homologous'. 'Homological' is also used, particularly in mathematics (e.g., homological algebra).
A fundamental structural correspondence between two things, often due to shared ancestry or origin, especially in biology and mathematics.
Homology is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Homology: in British English it is pronounced /həˈmɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /hoʊˈmɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HOMOlogy' = 'SAME origin'. It's about deep, inherited sameness of structure, not superficial similarity.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURAL CORRESPONDENCE IS A BLUEPRINT (an underlying shared plan or map).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'homology' LEAST likely to be used correctly?