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 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 Furthermore, recent studies reveal that the variation between any two individuals is very small, on the order of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), or single letter change in our DNA, per 1,000. Alan Goodman, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2020 Today, 'candidate gene' studies focusing on a single polymorphism, of which Blum et al. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2015 The trove of primate genomes allowed Farh, Rogers, Marques-Bonet, and colleagues to go hunting for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), individual DNA base variations within or between species that may change the proteins encoded by genes or alter a gene’s activity. Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 1 June 2023 The researchers examined whether there was a relation between the OXTR polymorphisms and the way the dogs interacted with people during the social tests. Julie Hecht, Scientific American, 1 May 2017 In contrast, balanced polymorphism frequencies point to a shrinking population or balancing selection. Citation: Casals F, Hodgkinson A, Hussin J, Idaghdour Y, Bruat V, et al. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2013 My proposals on mutation strategies...—see also Amos...—lead to rather precise insights on compensatory mutations or polymorphism propagation, yet they are largely ignored by population geneticists. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polymorphism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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

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