polymorphism

noun

(biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)

(chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound

(genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on

Roots

polyspoly- · Greek · many morphemorph- · Greek · form, shape ismos-ism · Greek · state, condition

Synonyms & related words for polymorphism

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Words related to polymorphism

Explore words related to polymorphism — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include pleomorphism, riflip, genotypes, polymorphic, allelomorphism, haplotype, allelism, allelomorph. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does polymorphism come from?

The word polymorphism breaks down into 3 roots of Greek origin: poly-, from Greek polys (“many”); morph, from Greek morphe (“form, shape”); and -ism, from Greek ismos (“state, condition”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.