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pleomorphism Definition

pleo·mor·phism (plē′ə môr′fiz′əm)

noun

  1. Biol. the occurrence of two or more forms in one life cycle
  2. polymorphism (sense )

Etymology: pleo- + -morph(ic) + -ism

pleomorphism Related Forms

ple′o·mor′·phic adjective or ple′o·mor′·phous-fəs

pleomorphism Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • show: The nuclei of the cells show pleomorphism, with variation in size, shape and chromatin staining pattern.
  • include: The histology of the tumor, including nuclear pleomorphism and the mitotic count, are of no value in predicting clinical outcome.

Adjective modifier

nuclear: Invasion is a defining characteristic of malignancy, as is nuclear pleomorphism and high mitotic activity.