homeo-, homoeo-, homio-, [homoio-, British spelling] +

A reference to skulls of similar form and structure.

Of a similar kind.

The degree of relationship or similarity of the races from which individuals are descended.

A mitosis in which equal amounts of chromatin go to each daughter nucleus.

maintaining equal lengths.

1. Similarity in crystalline form but not necessarily in chemical composition.
2. In mathematics: A function between two topological spaces that is continuous, one-to-one, and onto, and the inverse of which is continuous. Also called topological transformation.
3. A correspondence between the points of two geometric shapes or two spaces in which each element can be paired with one from the other without any remaining.

Like or similar in form and structure.

Of or pertaining to homeopathy and to its practices and principles.

A medical practitioner of homeopathy.

A system of medical treatment based on the use of small quantities of remedies that, in massive doses, produce effects similar to those of the disease being treated.

Homeopathy, historical background

Homeopathy was invented by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was both refined and popularized by the American physician James Tyler Kent.

Homeopathy is based on the theory that each naturally occurring element, plant, and mineral compound will, when ingested or applied, result in certain symptoms. Hahnemann believed that, by diluting these substances in a standardized manner, one could reach the true essence of that substance. Hahnemann described this process of dilution as "potentizing" (German: "potenziert") the substance. These diluted amounts could then be used to treat the very symptoms they were known to produce.

Hahnemann and his students approached their treatments in a holistic way, meaning that the whole of the body and spirit is dealt with, not just the localised disease. Hahnemann himself spent extended periods of time with his patients, asking them questions that dealt not only with their particular symptoms or illness, but also with the details of their daily lives.

It is also suggested that the gentle approach of homeopathy was a reaction to the violent forms of medicine of the day, which included techniques such as bleeding.

Similarity of sound.

1. The formation, as in healing, of new tissue that is similar to the existing tissue.
2. The formation of new tissue of the same character as that already existing in the part.

The continuation of a biological process along an unchanged course that remains unaffected by potentially diverting influences.

The appearance of an organ or appendage not normal to its location, as a leg in place of a proboscis in a fly.

1. A state of equilibrium, either metabolically within a cell or within an organism: If the kidneys are to maintain homeostasis in a person's body, the kidneys must control the correct quantity of salt and water that is eliminated.
2. The competence or capacity of individuals in a group to act cooperatively to maintain an intended result: Homeostasis can be exemplified by the behaviour of insects, such as bees when they use their wings to regulate the temperature or cool down their hives.