heterogenesis

n : the alternation of two or more different forms in the life

cycle of a plant or animal [syn: {alternation of

generations}, {xenogenesis}]

heterogeneous

Composed of unrelated parts, different in kind.

Often used in the context of {distributed systems} that may be

running different {operating systems} or network {protocols}

(a {heterogeneous network}).

For examples see: {interoperable database}, {middleware}.

Constrast {homogeneous}.

(1999-05-06)