The term "heterogeneous" refers to a mixture or composition that consists of different or diverse elements. In science, it often describes materials that are not uniform in structure or composition, such as a salad that contains various vegetables, fruits, and dressings. Each component retains its distinct properties, making the overall mixture varied. In contrast to homogeneous mixtures, where the components are evenly distributed, heterogeneous mixtures can be easily identified and separated. Examples include soil, concrete, and granite, where different materials coexist without blending into a single substance.