polymorphism
noun
poly·mor·phism
ˌpä-lē-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm 
: 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
Examples of polymorphism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Genetic And Enzymatic Variability Populations in different geographic regions have distinct genetic predispositions and enzymatic tendencies due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that impact drug metabolism, disease prevalence and treatment responses.
—
Sanjay Juneja, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
So far, 171 single-nucleotide gene polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to migraine have been discovered.
—Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
When that happens, investigators may look at all the variations, or single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are in the DNA sample.
—CBS News, 20 Feb. 2025
SNPs are single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or small variations in genetic code that can represent the basis for disease or health, presence or absence of a condition of some type or other.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Nov. 2014
See All Example Sentences for polymorphism
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Sanjay Juneja, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
So far, 171 single-nucleotide gene polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to migraine have been discovered.
—Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
When that happens, investigators may look at all the variations, or single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are in the DNA sample.
—CBS News, 20 Feb. 2025
SNPs are single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or small variations in genetic code that can represent the basis for disease or health, presence or absence of a condition of some type or other.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Nov. 2014
See All Example Sentences for polymorphism
Cite this Entry
“Polymorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymorphism. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polymorphism
noun
poly·mor·phism
ˌpäl-i-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm
: 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
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