Homology

(-mol'o-je.) [From Gr. homolog i a, accord.] Hon'ey (Anat.) A term used to indicate structural correspondence, while the term analogy is employed to indicate functional resemblance. Thus, the wings of birds and the wings of insects are analogous, not homologous; the air-bladder of fishes is homologous with, but not analogous to, the lungs of the higher vertebrates; Honey-stone, whilst the wings of birds and the pectoral fins of fishes are both homologous and analogous, that is, they have not only the same office, but the same structural origin. "No group of organic beings," says Darwin, " can be well understood until their homologies are made out; that is, until the general pattern, or, as it is often called, the ideal type of the several members of the group is intelligible. The importance of the science of homology rests on its giving us the keynote of the po ible amount of difference in plan within any group; it allows us to cla under proper heads the most diversified organs; it shows us gradations which would otherwise have been overlooked, and thus aids us in our cla ification; it explains many monstrosities; it leads to the detection of obscure and hidden parts, or mere vestiges of parts, and shows us the meaning of rudiments." Honolulu Homomorphous, (-mor'füs.) [From Gr. homos, and morphe, shape.] (Bot.) Uniform; all shaped alike. Homonymy, (-món'e-me.) [Same der iv.] (Gram.) Identity in sound of certain words which have different meanings;-as the noun deal and the verb deal. Homophonous, (-mof'o-nus.) [From Gr. homos, and phone, tone. ] (Mus.) Indicating two or more sounds which are pitched exactly alike.-(Philol.) Designating words in which different words stand for the same sound. [s. 460]