Meanings
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1
noun
a person or thing of the same kind or class as another
The smaller vessel and its congener were built from the same design.
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2
noun
an organism belonging to the same genus as another organism
The island finch differs in bill shape from its mainland congener.
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3
noun
a minor chemical substance produced during fermentation that contributes to the flavor and aroma of an alcoholic drink
Careful distillation removes each harsh congener while preserving desirable aromas.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Via French congenere from Latin congener 'of the same kind or race', formed from con- 'together, same' + genus, gener- 'kind, birth'. The scientific and chemical senses preserve the idea of members produced within one class or process.