Analogous (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin; "the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird are analogous".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The eyes of octopuses and humans are analogous, as they both have a similar function but developed independently of each other.
- The analogous structures of the fins of fish and the limbs of tetrapods allow for similar movements in different environments.
- The wings of a butterfly and those of a bird are analogous, as they both provide lift and allow for flight.
- The analogous features of the shells of turtles and the carapaces of armadillos serve as protection against predators.
- The analogous organs of the kidneys in vertebrates and the antennal glands in crustaceans both function as excretory organs.
Antonyms
Meaning 2
Similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar; "brains and computers are often considered analogous"; "salmon roe is marketed as analogous to caviar".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The new policy is analogous to the one implemented by our competitor last year, with some minor adjustments.
- The concept of memes in internet culture is analogous to the spread of ideas in traditional sociology.
- The development of a butterfly from a caterpillar is analogous to the transformation of a tadpole into a frog.
- The struggles of the characters in the novel are analogous to the real-life experiences of people living in poverty.
- The navigation system used by homing pigeons is analogous to the GPS technology used in modern cars.