n.
Variant: or an · a · log
Pronunciation: ' a-n ə - ˌ lo ̇ g, - ˌ läg
Function: noun
Etymology: French analogue, from analogue analogous, from Greek analogos
Date: 1826
1 : something that is analogous or similar to something else
2 : an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin
3 usually analog : a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular functional group)
4 : a food product made by combining a less expensive food (as soybeans or whitefish) with additives to give the appearance and taste of a more expensive food (as beef or crab)