Dictionary

polymorphism

noun poly·mor·phism \ˌpä-lē-ˈmr-ˌfi-zəm\

Definition of POLYMORPHISM

:  the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: as
a (1) :  existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2) :  existence of a gene in several allelic forms; also :  a variation in a specific DNA sequence (3) :  existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b :  the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
poly·mor·phic \-fik\ adjective
poly·mor·phi·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of POLYMORPHISM

1839
Medical Dictionary

polymorphism

noun poly·mor·phism \ˌpäl-i-ˈmr-ˌfiz-əm\

Medical Definition of POLYMORPHISM

:  the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: as a (1) :  existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex (2) :  existence of a gene in several allelic forms (3) :  existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species b :  the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: polymorphonuclearPrevious Word in the Dictionary: polymorpheanAll Words Near: polymorphism
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears