What does homogenous mean?
Homogenous means composed of parts or members that are alike, or uniform in nature throughout. The word is especially common in scientific and mathematical contexts: a homogeneous mixture has a consistent composition, a homogeneous solution contains a uniformly distributed substance, and a homogeneous material has the same properties throughout. It can also describe a group of people who share similar characteristics, although in social contexts it may suggest that diversity is undesirable or has been reduced. Homogenous is a less common spelling of the more usual homogeneous. Its principal opposite is heterogeneous, which describes a mixture or group made up of different kinds of elements. The distinction is useful whenever one needs to compare uniformity with variety, particularly in descriptions of materials, systems, populations, and organizations.
adjectiveConsisting of parts or elements that are all alike or of the same nature; uniform throughout.
- Having parts or elements that are alike or of the same nature; uniform throughout.
- Having members or characteristics that are similar or held to be similar.
"The researcher used a homogeneous sample to ensure that every component had the same properties."
"The metal remained homogeneous throughout the casting process."
"The committee sought a more homogeneous group before beginning its deliberations."
Homogenous means “all the same within,” whereas heterogeneous means “a lively mixture of differences.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homogenous come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek homogeneos, formed from homos, meaning “same,” and genos, meaning “kind” or “origin.” The English family developed from this Greek and Latin root, giving forms such as homogeneous, homogeneity, and homogenize. Homogenous entered English as a later variant spelling and now occurs less often than homogeneous.
Related word forms
How homogenous is actually used
Homogenous is a less common spelling; homogeneous is preferred in most standard usage. The term is common in science and mathematics, while its application to social groups can imply an expectation of similarity or sameness.
Easily confused with homogenous
Homogeneous is the more common standard spelling, whereas homogenous is a less common accepted variant with the same meaning.
Homogeneous describes something whose parts are alike, while heterogeneous describes something made up of differing elements.