Definition

Relating to or derived from a different species or type, often used in biological contexts to describe cells or tissues that are not identical or normally found in a specific area.

Example

The researchers used a heterologous graft to study the effects of the new treatment.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants can be heterologous in their grafting methods?

Really? I had no idea that was a thing.

Yeah, it means they're from different species and still work together.

That's fascinating! Nature really knows how to surprise us.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heterologous → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "logous" (from Greek "logos", meaning relation or reason). The word describes something that is of a different kind or nature in relation to something else.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') relating to 'reason' or 'kind' ('logos') — that's why heterologous refers to things that are of different kinds.

Visually Confused Words