inhomogeneity

noun

in·​ho·​mo·​ge·​ne·​i·​ty (ˌ)in-ˌhō-mə-jə-ˈnē-ə-tē How to pronounce inhomogeneity (audio) -ˈnā- How to pronounce inhomogeneity (audio)
 also nonstandard  -ˈnī-;
 especially British  -ˌhä-mə-
plural inhomogeneities
1
: the condition or an instance of not being homogeneous
2
: a part that is not homogeneous with the larger uniform mass in which it occurs
especially : a localized collection of matter in the universe
inhomogeneous adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web At that time, various physicists, including Hawking, were trying to patch up a serious problem (too much inhomogeneity) in Guth’s original inflation theory. Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inhomogeneity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhomogeneity was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near inhomogeneity

Cite this Entry

“Inhomogeneity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhomogeneity. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

inhomogeneity

noun
in·​ho·​mo·​ge·​ne·​ity
ˌin-ˌhō-mə-jə-ˈnē-ət-ē, -ˈnā-; especially British -ˌhäm-ə-
plural inhomogeneities
: lack of homogeneity
inhomogeneous adjective
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