Word of the Day

: March 2, 2007

analogue

noun AN-uh-log

What It Means

1 : something that is similar to something else

2 : an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin

analogue in Context

"The town I live in now," explained Tina, "is an analogue of the town I grew up in -- similar in climate, population, and demographics."

Did You Know?

The word "analogue" entered English from French in the 19th century and ultimately traces back to the Greek word "logos," meaning "ratio." (The word "analogy," which has been a part of English since the 15th century, also descends from "logos.") The noun "analogue" is sometimes spelled "analog," particularly when it refers to a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but slightly different in composition. Adding to the confusion, there is also an adjective spelled "analog," which came into use in the 20th century. The adjective can refer to something that is analogous (as in "an analog organ"), but it is most often used to distinguish analog electronics from digital electronics (as in "an analog computer" or "an analog clock").

*Indicates the sense illustrated by the example sentence.