homogeneous

(Or "homogenous") Of uniform nature, similar in kind.

1. In the context of distributed systems, middleware makes

heterogeneous systems appear as a homogeneous entity. For

example see: interoperable network.

Constrast heterogeneous.

2. mathematics (Of a polynomial) containing terms of the

same degree with respect to all the variables, as in x^2 + 2xy

+ y^2.

3. mathematics (Of a function) containing a set of

variables such that when each is multiplied by a constant,

this constant can be eliminated without altering the value of

the function, as in cos x/y + x/y.

4. mathematics (of an equation) containing a homogeneous

function made equal to 0.

(1999-05-06)