analog

Something directly comparable

Analog describes systems that represent information through continuous physical quantities rather than discrete digital values.

An analog clock shows time through the position of hands; an analog recording captures sound as continuous grooves or magnetic patterns.

The word often contrasts with digital: I prefer the warmth of analog synths.

As a noun, an analog is something comparable or parallel to something else: The American West had no true analog in European history.

Also spelled analogue, especially in British English.

vintage

vinyl

Synthetic resin plastic

turntableRotating music player
phonographGrooved disc audio player
filmMovie or coating

cassette · VHS · polaroid · typewriter · rotary · gramophone · 8-track · LP · 35mm · reel-to-reel

controls

dial

Graduated circular indicator

knobRounded gripping fixture
sliderAdjustable interface element
gaugeStandard of measurement

tuning · volume · adjustment · rotation · calibration · variable · mechanism · precision · haptic · tactile

electronics

circuit

Closed electrical pathway

oscillatorCyclic signal generator
amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
voltageElectrical potential difference

waveform · signal · capacitor · resistor · diode · inductor · filter · modulation · frequency · bandwidth

comparison

parallel

Equidistant at all points

correspondingMatching in character
equivalentSame in value or function
similarResembling another thing

akin · comparable · homologous · counterpart · correlate · cognate · corollary · proxy · stand-in · approximation

Categories

timekeepingclock, watch, watches, clocks, timer
clock settingsalarm, time zone, hour, minute, second
spellingscolour, color, favour, favor, honour
transmissionbroadcast, broadcasting, transmitter, relay, signal
audio termsWAV, dB, tone, frequency response, MP3
hearing aidshearing aids, hearing aid, behind-the-ear, digital hearing aids, in-the-ear

Opposites

signal representation

Of discrete data

discrete · binary · quantized · sampled · pixelated

technology era

Of discrete data

electronic · computerized · virtual · modern · streaming

interface style

Of discrete data

touchscreen · virtual · screen-based · automated

Phrases

analog controlsContinuous physical input devices
analog clocksTime displays with rotating pointers
analogue clockTimepiece with rotating hands
analogue watchWatch displaying hands
analog watchMechanical face timekeeper
analog watchesTimepieces with dial faces

Family

analogy, analogous, analogue, analogies, analogize, analogously, analogical, analogues, analogs

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G