analogy n 1: similarity in some respect between things that are otherwise dissimilar: "the operation of a computer presents an interesting analogy to the working of the brain" 2: (logic) inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others 3: drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect; "the models show by analogy how matter is built up" 4: a theoretical account based on a similarity between the model and the phenomena that are to be explained; "it was a computer simulation of problem solving" [syn: simulation]
as opposed to:
aphorism \Aph"o*rism\, n. [F. aphorisme, fr. Gr. ? definition, a short, pithy sentence, fr. ? to mark off by boundaries, to define; ? from + ? to separate, part. See Horizon.] A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters.
The first aphorism of Hippocrates is, ``Life is short, and the art is long.''