What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homolog
Example
The wings of a bat and the arms of a human are homologous structures. [homolog: adjective]
Example
The homologous chromosomes in humans carry the same genes, but may have different alleles. [homologous: adjective]
Example
The drug has a homolog that is more potent but less stable. [homolog: noun]
analog
Example
The wings of a bird and the wings of a butterfly are analogous structures. [analogous: adjective]
Example
The new camera is an analog of the previous model, with some improvements. [analog: noun]
Example
The relationship between a heart and a pump is often used as an analogy. [analogy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Analog is more commonly used than homolog in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and is more familiar to most people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between homolog and analog?
Neither homolog nor analog is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts with varying degrees of formality.
