analog

The word “analog” means representing information as a continuously variable signal rather than as digital data, such as the hands of a clock or an old vinyl recording. In plain terms, non-digital, or something that has a close counterpart elsewhere.

“Analog” is pronounced A-nuh-log (/ˈænəlɔɡ/ in IPA).

Here is “analog” used in a sentence: “He still prefers an analog watch to a digital one.”

The opposite of “analog” — its antonyms — are digital and discrete.

Depending on how it is used, “analog” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “analog” comes from French. From French analogue, from Greek analogos, "proportionate," built from ana- ("up to") plus logos ("ratio").

“Analog” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Analog” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: representing information as a continuously variable signal rather than as digital data, such as the hands of a clock or an old vinyl recording.

Analog signals or devices represent information as a continuously variable signal, like the sweeping hands of a clock, while digital devices represent the same information as discrete numerical data. Analog technology changes smoothly, while digital technology changes in fixed steps.

American English uses "analog," while British English typically spells it "analogue." Both spellings refer to the same concept and are pronounced identically.

As a noun, an "analog" is something that closely corresponds to or mirrors something else, such as a fictional character described as an analog of a real historical figure. This usage is common in science and comparative analysis.