noun pl. analogies -·gies

1. similarity in some respects between things otherwise unlike; partial resemblance
2. the likening of one thing to another on the basis of some similarity between the two
3. Biol. similarity in function between parts dissimilar in origin and structure, as the wing of a bird and that of an insect
4. Linguis. the process by which words, constructions, or pronunciations conform to the pattern of other, often unrelated, ones “energize” is formed from “energy” by analogy with “apologize” from “apology”; Old English “handa” became “hands” on analogy with other plurals in -s
5. Logic an inference from certain admitted resemblances between two or more things to a probable further similarity between them

Etymology: ME & OFr analogie < L analogia < Gr, proportion < analogos, in due ratio < ana-, according to + logos, word, reckoning: see logic