The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Homology \Ho*mol"o*gy\, n. [Gr. ? agreement. See Homologous.]
1. The quality of being homologous; correspondence; relation;
as, the homologyof similar polygons.
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2. (Biol.) Correspondence or relation in type of structure in
contradistinction to similarity of function; as, the
relation in structure between the leg and arm of a man; or
that between the arm of a man, the fore leg of a horse,
the wing of a bird, and the fin of a fish, all these
organs being modifications of one type of structure.
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Note: Homology indicates genetic relationship, and according
to Haeckel special homology should be defined in terms
of identity of embryonic origin. See Homotypy, and
Homogeny.
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3. (Chem.) The correspondence or resemblance of substances
belonging to the same type or series; a similarity of
composition varying by a small, regular difference, and
usually attended by a regular variation in physical
properties; as, there is an homology between methane,
CH4, ethane, C2H6, propane, C3H8, etc., all members
of the paraffin series. In an extended sense, the term is
applied to the relation between chemical elements of the
same group; as, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are said to
be in homology with each other. Cf. Heterology.
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General homology (Biol.), the higher relation which a
series of parts, or a single part, bears to the
fundamental or general type on which the group is
constituted. --Owen.
Serial homology (Biol.), representative or repetitive
relation in the segments of the same organism, -- as in
the lobster, where the parts follow each other in a
straight line or series. --Owen. See Homotypy.
Special homology (Biol.), the correspondence of a part or
organ with those of a different animal, as determined by
relative position and connection. --Owen.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Special \Spe"cial\, a. [L. specialis, fr. species a particular
sort, kind, or quality: cf. F. sp['e]cial. See Species, and
cf. Especial.]
1. Of or pertaining to a species; constituting a species or
sort.
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A special is called by the schools a "species". --I.
Watts.
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2. Particular; peculiar; different from others;
extraordinary; uncommon.
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Our Savior is represented everywhere in Scripture as
the special patron of the poor and the afficted.
--Atterbury.
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To this special evil an improvement of style would
apply a special redress. --De Quincey.
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3. Appropriate; designed for a particular purpose, occasion,
or person; as, a special act of Parliament or of Congress;
a special sermon.
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4. Limited in range; confined to a definite field of action,
investigation, or discussion; as, a special dictionary of
commercial terms; a special branch of study.
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5. Chief in excellence. [Obs.]
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The king hath drawn
The special head of all the land together. --Shak.
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Special administration (Law), an administration limited to
certain specified effects or acts, or one granted during a
particular time or the existence of a special cause, as
during a controversy respecting the probate of a will, or
the right of administration, etc.
Special agency, an agency confined to some particular
matter.
Special bail, Bail above, or Bail to the action (Law),
sureties who undertake that, if the defendant is
convicted, he shall satisfy the plaintiff, or surrender
himself into custody. --Tomlins. --Wharton (Law Dict.).
Special constable. See under Constable. --Bouvier.
Special damage (Law), a damage resulting from the act
complained of, as a natural, but not the necessary,
consequence of it.
Special demurrer (Law), a demurrer for some defect of form
in the opposite party pleading, in which the cause of
demurrer is particularly stated.
Special deposit, a deposit made of a specific thing to be
kept distinct from others.
Special homology. (Biol.) See under Homology.
Special injuction (Law), an injuction granted on special
grounds, arising of the circumstances of the case.
--Daniell.
Special issue (Law), an issue produced upon a special plea.
--Stephen.
Special jury (Law), a jury consisting of persons of some
particular calling, station, or qualification, which is
called upon motion of either party when the cause is
supposed to require it; a struck jury.
Special orders (Mil.), orders which do not concern, and are
not published to, the whole command, such as those
relating to the movement of a particular corps, a detail,
a temporary camp, etc.
Special partner, a limited partner; a partner with a
limited or restricted responsibility; -- unknown at common
law.
Special partnership, a limited or particular partnership;
-- a term sometimes applied to a partnership in a
particular business, operation, or adventure.
Special plea in bar (Law), a plea setting forth particular
and new matter, distinguished from the general issue.
--Bouvier.
Special pleader (Law), originally, a counsel who devoted
himself to drawing special counts and pleas; in a wider
sense, a lawyer who draws pleadings.
Special pleading (Law), the allegation of special or new
matter, as distingiushed from a direct denial of matter
previously alleged on the side. --Bouvier. The popular
denomination of the whole science of pleading. --Stephen.
The phrase is sometimes popularly applied to the specious,
but unsound, argumentation of one whose aim is victory,
and not truth. --Burrill.
Special property (Law), a qualified or limited ownership
possession, as in wild animals, things found or bailed.
Special session, an extraordinary session; a session at an
unusual time or for an unusual purpose; as, a special
session of Congress or of a legislature.
Special statute, or Special law, an act of the
legislature which has reference to a particular person,
place, or interest; a private law; -- in distinction
from a general law or public law.
Special verdict (Law), a special finding of the facts of
the case, leaving to the court the application of the law
to them. --Wharton (Law Dict.).
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Syn: Peculiar; appropriate; specific; dictinctive;
particular; exceptional; singular. See Peculiar.
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