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analog

adj. · n.
US //ˈænəˌɫɔɡ// UK //ˈænəlˌɒɡ// ana·log
  1. 1 non-digital technology (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    using physical signals like moving parts or waves rather than digital computer code.

    relating to signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity, such as spatial position or voltage.

    Example

    I prefer wearing an analog watch because I like seeing the hands move around the face.

    Example

    The studio engineer insisted on using analog recording equipment to capture the warm harmonic distortion that digital software often fails to replicate.

    Usage

    Often contrasted with 'digital' in technical contexts.
  2. 2 real-world or traditional (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    relating to real life or traditional ways of doing things instead of using the internet or computers.

    pertaining to the physical world or traditional methods as opposed to digital or virtual environments.

    Example

    In our digital world, it is nice to have an analog hobby like gardening or painting.

    Example

    Despite the convenience of e-readers, many bibliophiles still crave the analog experience of turning physical pages and smelling the ink on paper.
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  1. 3 a comparable thing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    something that is similar to something else in a way that allows you to compare them.

    a person or thing seen as comparable to another; a counterpart that maintains a similar relationship or function.

    Example

    The historical event was a close analog to the political crisis we are seeing today.

    Example

    Researchers struggled to find a modern analog for the ancient social structure, as the tribal dynamics did not map neatly onto contemporary urban life.
  2. 4 chemical or biological counterpart (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a chemical that is very similar to another one, or a body part in a different animal that does the same job.

    a structural derivative of a parent compound; in biology, a structure with a similar function but different evolutionary origin.

    Example

    The scientists tested a new analog of the drug to see if it had fewer side effects.

    Example

    The bird's wing and the insect's wing are biological analogs, performing the same aerodynamic function despite having entirely different ancestral paths.

    Usage

    In chemistry, it refers to a molecule with a slightly altered structure.
Origin

First attested in the early 19th century; from French analogue, from Ancient Greek ἀνάλογος (análogos, “proportionate”), from ἀνά (aná, “up to”) + λόγος (lógos, “ratio”). Equivalent to ana- (“functionally similar”) + -log.

Word family

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