polymorphous
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology
From New Latin polymorphus, from Ancient Greek πολύμορφος (polúmorphos, “multiform, manifold”), from πολυ- (polu-, “many, much”) + μορφή (morphḗ, “form, shape”). By surface analysis, poly- + -morphous.
Adjective
polymorphous (comparative more polymorphous, superlative most polymorphous)
- Having, or assuming, a variety of forms, characters, or styles
- 1907, Alfred Binet, anonymous translator, The Mind and the Brain, Book III Chapter II:
- Idealism is an exceedingly complex system, varying much with varying authors, very polymorphous, and consequently very difficult to discuss.
- (biology) Having, or occurring in, several distinct forms
- 1913, R. Chodat in Popular Science Monthly Volume 82 Janauay 1913, A Grain of Wheat
- In order to establish itself in any locality a plant must hold its own against competitors which, masters of the soil from time immemorial, have been selected to fit the soil and climate. Moreover, emmer is not cultivated anywhere in Palestine. This wild wheat is furthermore a different plant from any known in cultivation, a polymorphous race, no doubt, but a distinct one.
- 1913, R. Chodat in Popular Science Monthly Volume 82 Janauay 1913, A Grain of Wheat
- (chemistry) Crystallizing in two or more different forms; polymorphic
Synonyms
- (having, or assuming, a variety of forms, characters, or styles): multiform, polymorphic, protean; See also Thesaurus:multiform
Antonyms
(antonym(s) of “in biology”): monomorphic
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
Having, or assuming, a variety of forms, characters, or styles
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Having, or occurring in, several distinct forms
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Crystallizing in two or more different forms; polymorphic
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References
- “polymorphous”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
- “polymorphous”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.
- “polymorphous”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.
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