Homologous

Pronunciation

Full definition of homologous

Adjective

1. Showing a degree of correspondence or similarity.

1. (biology) Corresponding to a similar structure in another life form with a common evolutionary origin.
• Schuster Hepaticae V|4Lobules, homologous in structure, recur again only in the Gondwanalandic families Lepidolaenaceae and Jubulopsidaceae thus in the Lepidolaenineae.
2. Flippers and hands are homologous structures.
3. (chemistry) Belonging to a series of aliphatic organic compounds that differ only by the addition of a CH₂ group.
4. (genetics) Having the same morphology as another chromosome.

Usage notes

(biology) For a discussion of the use of the term "homology" (and by association "homologous") in biology, see: Patterson, Colin. "Homology in Classical and Molecular Biology." Molecular Biology and Evolution 5, no. 6 (November 1988): 603–625. http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/5/6/603.pdf (accessed 18 December 2009; archived 18 December 2009, http://www.webcitation.org/5m7rn4rCe )

Antonyms

• heterologous

Derived terms

• homologous series
• homologous blood donation

Related terms

• homologue
• homologize
• homology
• autologous