Added 9 October 2026
analog
/ˈænəˌlɒɡ/ adjective
First recorded: early 19th century Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about analog at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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In which the value of a data item (such as time) is represented by a continuous(ly) variable physical quantity that can be measured (such as the shadow of a sundial).
an analog watch
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Not relating to, or pre-dating, digital technology such as computers and the Internet; relating to real life.
an analog (paper) map
noun
- Something that bears an analogy to something else.
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An organ or structure that is similar in function to one in another kind of organism but is of dissimilar evolutionary origin.
See also: convergent evolution
- A structural derivative of a parent compound that differs from it by only one or a few atoms or substituent groups; such a molecule that retains most of the same chemical properties.
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)