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
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That’s why using phylogenies to date the origin of a function has inherent uncertainties.
—
Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 27 June 2025
The team also created a complementary phylogeny of 276 ant species.
—Byariana Remmel, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024
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
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Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 27 June 2025
The team also created a complementary phylogeny of 276 ant species.
—Byariana Remmel, science.org, 3 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for phylogeny
Cite this Entry
“Phylogeny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phylogeny. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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?
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