a·nal·o·gous / əˈnaləgəs/ • adj. (often analogous to) comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared: they saw the relationship between a ruler and his subjects as analogous to that of father and children. ∎  Biol. (of structures) performing a similar function but having a different evolutionary origin, such as the wings of insects and birds. Often contrasted with homologous.DERIVATIVES: a·nal·o·gous·ly adv.

analogous (ă-nal-ŏ-gŭs) adj. describing organs or parts that have similar functions in different organisms although they do not have the same evolutionary origin or development. Compare homologous.

analogous Describing features of very disparate organisms that are superficially similar but have evolved from vastly different origins. The wings of butterflies and birds are analogous organs. Compare homoplasy.