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

polymorphic

ˌpä-lē-ˈmȯr-fik 

adjective

polymorphically

ˌpä-lē-ˈmȯr-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of polymorphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lightweight forms of polymorphism can also be applied to IoT cybersecurity, rotating communication protocols and encryption keys, enhancing resilience and being mindful of resources simultaneously. —Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

And within this group, the researchers identified three tiny mutations – known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – that increased one's chances of being impacted by the kidney and mental health conditions. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 June 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing polymorphism

• restriction fragment length polymorphism

Medical 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