Definition of ANALOG (original) (raw)
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a mechanism or device in which information is represented by continuously variable physical quantities
Your speakers are analog technology in all its nearly century-old glory … . As the speakers get their signals from the cables, the drivers vibrate in a continual state of flux as the changing analog signals are fed to them. The drivers are presenting an analogy of what came from the original source, even if the source started off digital, such as a CD.—
Ron Goldberg
b
: of or relating to an [analog computer](/dictionary/analog computer)
In an analog machine each number is represented by a suitable physical quantity, whose value, measured in some pre-assigned unit, is equal to the number in question.—The World Treasury Of Physics
c
of a timepiece : having both hour and minute hands
d
: not digital : not computerized
Of course, it's possible to meet someone online, but it's just as tough as the old, analog ways.—Anita Hamilton
variant spelling of analogue entry 1
1
: something that is similar or comparable to something else either in general or in some specific detail : something that is analogous to something else
historical analogues to the current situation
2
: an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin
The gill of a fish is the analogue of the lung of a cat.
3
usually analog : a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular functional group)
4
: a food product made by combining a less expensive food (such as soybeans or whitefish) with additives to give the appearance and taste of a more expensive food (such as beef or crab)
Examples of analog in a Sentence
Adjective
Telephone lines carry data in analog form. It receives an analog video signal and converts it to a digital signal.
Recent Examples on the Web
In our increasingly digital culture, natural diamonds create analog emotional experiences that can never be faked, replicated or substituted. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 24 Sep. 2024 But phones and tablets have crowded out some more analog forms of fun. —Anna North, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024
That was more of an analog age, where the conveniences and new technologies were based on conditioning physical systems. —John Werner, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 The firm said other big winners include shares of analog semiconductor suppliers such as Texas Instruments . —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for analog 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'analog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
from attributive use of analogue entry 1; (sense 1) after [analog computer](/dictionary/analog computer), in which physical quantities (as electrical potential or mechanical motion) are analogues of corresponding quantities in the problem to be solved
First Known Use
Adjective
1844, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of analog was in 1844
Dictionary Entries Near analog
Cite this Entry
“Analog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analog. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 29 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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