Analogue/analog as a noun

Question

I recently read an article that used the word "analog" as a noun and it really stopped me cold..I had never seen it used in that context before.
As I recall, the sentence read something like:
...if you don't like the balls provided, you can use an analogue of your choosing.
Basically, is the noun "analogue" in wide use?
Just curious...
Adrian

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I recently read an article that used the word "analog" as a noun and it really stopped me cold..I had ... provided, you can use an analogue of your choosing. Basically, is the noun "analogue" in wide use? Just curious... Adrian[/nq]
It's a perfectly ordinary noun. I've seen it in use and have used it myself. M-W online dates it to 1826.
)I don't have access to the OED, which may have a more accurate date.)

Bob Lieblich
An' a log to you, too

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I recently read an article that used the word "analog" ... is the noun "analogue" in wide use? Just curious... Adrian[/nq]
[nq:1]It's a perfectly ordinary noun. I've seen it in use and have used it myself. M-W online dates it to 1826. )I don't have access to the OED, which may have a more accurate date.)[/nq]
The same date:
A. n.
1. An analogous word or thing; a representative in differentcircumstances or situation; something performing a corresponding part.
1837 ...
2. esp. in Nat. Hist.a. A part of an animal or plant which in function answers to a different part in another animal or plant; a representative or corresponding organ. Strictly said of organs of different origin.
1826 KIRBY & SPENCE Introd. Entomol. III. 566 In Vespa &c. a smallsubtriangular piece just below the base of the upper wing is probably its analogue.
b. A species or tribe in one region, or at one period of the earth's history, which represents or occupies the place of a different species or tribe in another country, or at a different epoch; a foreign representative, an ancient or modern representative.
1830 LYELL ...

c. A species or group of animals or plants which occupies in relation to the division to which it belongs a position similar to that of another species or group in relation to its division; a representative in a different class or group; as the newt is among amphibians the analogue of the lizard among reptiles.

Analog(ue) as an adjective is more recent and seems to have been introduced to distinguish between analogue and digital computers.

It is therefore a noun that has come to be used as an adjective.

B. adj. analogue (U.S. analog) computer, a computer which operates with numbers represented by some physically measurable quantity, such as weight, length, voltage, etc. (cf. DIGITAL a. 4). Also, analogue device, machine, etc. Hence analogue computing, computing by this process.
1946 D. R. HARTREE in Nature 12 Oct. 500/1 The American usage is?analogue? and ?digital? machines.

Peter Duncanson, UK
(in alt.english.usage)

Analogue/analog as a noun

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