polymorphism

Meanings

Plural: polymorphisms

Noun

• (genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on
• (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound
• (biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)
• The ability to assume different forms or shapes.
• 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.
• A feature pertaining to the dynamic treatment of data elements based on their type, allowing for a method to have several definitions.
• 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.
• The ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure; pleomorphism.
• 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.

Synonyms

pleomorphism

Related Words

dimorphism, metamorphism, monomorphism, polymorph, polymorphic, polymorphistic, polymorphous, RFLP, riflip