monomorphic

adjective

mono·​mor·​phic ˌmä-nə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce monomorphic (audio)
: having but a single form, structural pattern, or genotype
a monomorphic species of insect
monomorphism noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Over time without new variation all polymorphic sites will become monomorphic as one variant comes to dominate each locus. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2013 Unlike many birds, where males are colorful and have gaudy feather ornaments whilst females are cryptic, lories are monomorphic: both males and females are brilliantly colorful and rarely can be distinguished visually by color patterns alone. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022 Remember that if a quantitative trait is highly heritable then by definition that means that directional selection wasn't operating to drive genes to fixation so that the population was monomorphic in trait value. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'monomorphic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monomorphic was circa 1879

Dictionary Entries Near monomorphic

Cite this Entry

“Monomorphic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monomorphic. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

monomorphic

adjective
mono·​mor·​phic -ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce monomorphic (audio)
: having but a single form, structural pattern, or genotype
a monomorphic species of insect
monomorphism noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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