polymorphism

Definition of Polymorphism in English :

1. polymorphism

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

2. pleomorphism, polymorphism

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

3. polymorphism

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

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Polymorphism

noun

1. biology

a.

the occurrence of more than one form of individual in a single species within an interbreeding population

b.

the occurrence of more than one form in the individual polyps of a coelenterate colony

2.

the existence or formation of different types of crystal of the same chemical compound

noun

1. Chemistry and Mineralogy

the property of certain substances of crystallizing in two or more different forms or systems

2. Biology

the condition in which a species has two or more very different morphological forms, as the castes of social insects or the flowers of certain plants

n.

1. Biology The occurrence of more than one form, as several alleles of a particular gene or winged and wingless forms of the same species.

2. Chemistry Crystallization of a compound in at least two distinct forms. Also called pleomorphism.