Definitions for polymorphismˌpɒl iˈmɔr fɪz əm
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
pol•y•mor•phismˌpɒl iˈmɔr fɪz əm(n.)
the state or condition of being polymorphous.
Category: Biology, Genetics
genetic variation that produces differing characteristics in individuals of the same population or species. the occurrence of different castes or types within the same sex, as in social ants.
Category: Developmental Biology
Ref: pleomorphism .
crystallization into two or more chemically identical but crystallographically distinct forms.
Category: Crystallography
Origin of polymorphism:
1830–40
pol`y•mor′phic(adj.)
Princeton's WordNet
polymorphism(noun)
(genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on
polymorphism, pleomorphism(noun)
(chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound
polymorphism(noun)
(biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)
Wiktionary
polymorphism(Noun)
The ability to assume different forms or shapes.
polymorphism(Noun)
The coexistence, in the same locality, of two or more distinct forms independent of sex, not connected by intermediate gradations, but produced from common parents.
polymorphism(Noun)
The feature of object-oriented programming pertaining to the dynamic treatment of data elements based on their type, allowing for an instance of a method to have several definitions.
polymorphism(Noun)
The property of certain typed formal systems of allowing for the use of type variables and binders/quantifiers over those type variables; likewise, the property of certain expressions (within such typed formal systems) of making use of at least one such typed variable.
polymorphism(Noun)
The ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure; pleomorphism.
polymorphism(Noun)
The regular existence of two or more different genotypes within a given species or population; also, variability of amino acid sequences within a gene's protein.
Webster Dictionary
Polymorphism(noun)
same as Pleomorphism
Polymorphism(noun)
the capability of assuming different forms; the capability of widely varying in form
Polymorphism(noun)
existence in many forms; the coexistence, in the same locality, of two or more distinct forms independent of sex, not connected by intermediate gradations, but produced from common parents
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