homology
nounUK /həˈmɒlədʒi/
US /həˈmɑːlədʒi/
A homology is a similarity between things that comes from them sharing the same origin.
The wings of a bat and the arms of a human show homology because they come from the same ancient body plan.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In biology, a similarity in structure between organisms due to shared ancestry.
Scientists study homology to understand how different species are related.
3. In mathematics, a way of describing holes or gaps in a shape.
The homology of a donut shape reveals its single hole.
4. The state of being alike or having the same relation.
There is a homology between the two languages' grammar rules.