phylogeny
noun
phy·log·e·ny
fī-ˈlä-jə-nē 
plural phylogenies
1
: the evolutionary history of a kind of organism
2
: the evolution of a genetically related group of organisms as distinguished from the development of the individual organism
3
: the history or course of the development of something (such as a word or custom)
Examples of phylogeny in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, the fungal phylogeny suggests the innovation arose not once, but twice in the wake of the catastrophe.
—
Byariana Remmel, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024
The team calibrated the phylogenies with ant and fungus fossil records to establish the age of each branch.
—Byariana Remmel, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024
Rebecca Varney, University of California, Santa Barbara Then the researchers mapped the different eye types onto the phylogeny.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
Eyespots and shell eyes each evolved two separate times across the phylogeny — representing two separate instances of convergent evolution.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phylogeny 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Byariana Remmel, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024
The team calibrated the phylogenies with ant and fungus fossil records to establish the age of each branch.
—Byariana Remmel, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024
Rebecca Varney, University of California, Santa Barbara Then the researchers mapped the different eye types onto the phylogeny.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
Eyespots and shell eyes each evolved two separate times across the phylogeny — representing two separate instances of convergent evolution.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phylogeny
Dictionary Entries Near phylogeny
Cite this Entry
“Phylogeny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phylogeny. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phylogeny
noun
phy·log·e·ny
fī-ˈläj-ə-nē
plural phylogenies
: the development of a group of related living things by evolution over a long period of time in contrast to the development of a particular individual from its first immature stage to an adult
Medical Definition
phylogeny
noun
phy·log·e·ny
fi-ˈläj-ə-nē
plural phylogenies
1
: the evolutionary history of a kind of organism
2
: the evolution of a genetically related group of organisms as distinguished from the development of the individual organism
called also phylogenesis
compare ontogenyLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share