homoplasy

noun

ho·​mo·​pla·​sy ˈhō-mə-ˌplā-sē 

ˈhä-,

-ˌpla-  hō-ˈmä-plə-sē 

plural homoplasies

evolutionary biology

: correspondence or similarity in form or function between parts of different species or lineages that is not attributable to common ancestry but is the result especially of parallel or convergent evolution in similar environments or ecological niches compare analogy, homology

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

homoplasy

noun

ho·​mo·​pla·​sy ˈhō-mə-ˌplā-sē  ˈhäm-ə-  -ˌplas-ē; hō-ˈmäp-lə-sē 

: correspondence between parts or organs acquired as the result of parallel evolution or convergence