homologous

adjective

ho·mol·o·gous | \ hō-ˈmä-lə-gəs

, hə-\

Definition of homologous

1a : having the same relative position, value, or structure: such as

(1) biology : exhibiting biological homology

(2) biology : having the same or allelic genes with genetic loci usually arranged in the same order homologous chromosomes

b chemistry : belonging to or consisting of a chemical series (see series sense 6) whose successive members have a regular difference in composition especially of one methylene group

2 biology : derived from or developed in response to organisms of the same species a homologous tissue graft

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Did You Know?

In his famous discussion of the panda's thumb, Stephen Jay Gould carefully explains how this thumb is not homologous to the human thumb. Although the two digits are used in much the same way (the panda's thumb is essential for stripping bamboo of its tasty leaves, the staple of the panda's diet), the panda's thumb developed from a bone in its wrist and is an addition to the five "fingers" of its paw. The tiny stirrup and anvil bones of our inner ear, however, do seem to be homologous with the bones that allow a garter snake to swallow a frog whole.

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This type of gene disruption — called non-homologous end joining — is being used in sickle-cell and thalassemia trials. — Fox News, "Futuristic gene-editing technology may cause cancer," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'homologous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for homologous

homologous

adjective

ho·mol·o·gous | \ hō-ˈmäl-ə-gəs, hə-

Medical Definition of homologous

1a : having the same relative position, value, or structure: as

(1) : exhibiting biological homology

(2) : having the same or allelic genes with genetic loci usually arranged in the same order homologous chromosomes

b : belonging to or consisting of a chemical series whose members exhibit homology

2a : derived from or involving organisms of the same species homologous tissue grafts — compare autologous, heterologous sense 1

b : relating to or being immunity or a serum produced by or containing a specific antibody corresponding to a specific antigen

homologous

Definition of homologous

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History and Etymology for homologous

Medical Definition of homologous

homologous

Definition of homologous

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Examples of homologous in a Sentence

First Known Use of homologous

History and Etymology for homologous

Medical Definition of homologous

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