The words homogeneous and heterogeneous are often used in scientific contexts to describe kinds of mixtures, but they can be also used in other ways, such as to describe groups of people. But what do they actually mean , and what is the difference? In this article, we’ll define homogeneous and heterogeneous , break down the differences between them, and provide some examples of the different things the words can describe, including both homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. HETEROGENEOUS meaning : 1. consisting of parts or things that are very different from each other: 2. consisting of parts…. Learn more. HETEROGENEOUS meaning : made up of parts that are different Heterogeneous can be used to describe the diversity of nearly anything — populations, classrooms, collections. A heterogeneous array of immigrants passed through Ellis Island to help create the American "melting pot."