polymorphism

noun

poly·​mor·​phism ˌpä-lē-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm How to pronounce polymorphism (audio)
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: such as
a(1)
: existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2)
: existence of a gene in several allelic forms
also : a variation in a specific DNA sequence
(3)
: existence of a molecule (such as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b
: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
polymorphic adjective
polymorphically adverb

Examples of polymorphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clonal polymorphism and high heterozygosity in the celibate genome of the Amazon molly Cell Research. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024 But the presence of more than one color polymorphism, or ‘morph’, in a population is probably one of the most enigmatic of evolutionary questions. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The gene variants that link plumage color polymorphism are probably also linked to adaptations to extreme cold, despite less melanin pigmentation in the grey morph owls’ plumage reducing their ability to transform sunlight into heat. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The majority of genetic tests available online look only at a select number of common genetic variables called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), along with some other markers of genetic variation. WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for polymorphism 

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymorphism was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near polymorphism

Cite this Entry

“Polymorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymorphism. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

polymorphism

noun
poly·​mor·​phism ˌpäl-i-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm How to pronounce polymorphism (audio)
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: as
a(1)
: existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2)
: existence of a gene in several allelic forms
also : a variation in a specific sequence of DNA
(3)
: existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b
: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure

More from Merriam-Webster on polymorphism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!