analogue
Meaning
something that is similar or comparable to something else.
a chemical compound with a molecular structure closely similar to that of another.
relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity such as spatial position, voltage, etc.
Structure
Usage
the gill of a fish is the analogue of the lung in a mammal.
scientists developed a synthetic analogue of the natural hormone.
many collectors still prefer the warm sound of analogue recordings over digital ones.
Etymology
the word 'analogue' entered english in the early 19th century from french, which itself derived from latin 'analogus', originating from greek 'analogos' meaning "proportionate". the greek term is a compound of 'ana-' ("according to") and 'logos' (here meaning "ratio, proportion"). the core logic stems from the ancient concept of a proportional relationship or correspondence between two things. this literal sense of mathematical or structural proportion evolved to describe any thing that is similar or comparable to another, preserving the foundational idea of a reasoned correspondence. in the 20th century, its application to technology (analogue vs. digital) extended this concept to describe signals that are continuously variable and analogous to the source they represent.
Analysis
- ana: from greek, meaning "up, back, again, according to". functions as a prefix indicating relation, proportion, or upward motion. - logue: from greek 'logos', meaning "word, speech, reason, proportion". functions as a combining form denoting discourse or relation.