'Polymorphism' definitions:
Definition of 'polymorphism'
(from WordNet)
noun
(genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on
noun
(chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound [syn: polymorphism, pleomorphism]
noun
(biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)
Definition of 'Polymorphism'
From: GCIDE
- Polymorphism \Pol`y*mor"phism\, n.
- 1. (Crystallog.) Same as Pleomorphism. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Biol.) (a) The capability of assuming different forms; the capability of widely varying in form. (b) Existence in many forms; the coexistence, in the same locality, of two or more distinct forms independent of sex, not connected by intermediate gradations, but produced from common parents. [1913 Webster]