polymorphism

polymorphism definition - medical

pol·y·mor·phism (pŏlˌē-môrˈfĭzˌəm)

noun
  1. The occurrence of different forms, stages, or types in individual organisms or in organisms of the same species, independent of sexual variations.
  2. Crystallization of a compound in at least two distinct forms. Also called pleomorphism.

Related Forms:

  • polˌy·morˈphic, polˌy·morˈphous adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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