Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows.
NEW iPhone Audio English dictionary


Noun: polymorphism  `pó-lee'mor-fi-zum
  1. (genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on
     
  2. (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound
    - pleomorphism
     
  3. (biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)

Derived forms: polymorphisms

See also: polymorphic

Type of: chemical phenomenon, organic phenomenon

Encyclopedia: Polymorphism

Nearest

polymerise
polymerised chain reaction
polymerization
polymerize
polymerized chain reaction
polymethyl methacrylate
Polymonium caeruleum van-bruntiae
polymorph
polymorphemic
polymorphic
polymorphism
polymorphous
Polymox
polymyositis
polymyxin
Polynemidae
Polynesia
Polynesian
Polynesian tattler
polyneuritic psychosis
polyneuritis