dimorphism
noun
di·mor·phism
(ˌ)dī-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm 
: the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: such as
a
: the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population
sexual dimorphism
b
: the existence of a part (such as leaves of a plant) in two different forms
Examples of dimorphism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To build the model with dimorphism, the team followed the size differences of alligators, the T. rex’s modern-day kin.
—
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024
In species with pronounced size dimorphism, larger males compete with one another for access to females, and among the great apes larger males socially dominate females.
—Cara Ocobock, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
Humans lie closer to gibbons on the dimorphism spectrum: human males can be up to 20 percent more massive, on average, than females.
—Blake Edgar, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2016
Humans seem to lay between other ape lineages in terms of physical dimorphism.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2012
In particular, dimorphism between the sexes, and the importance of selection in mate choice.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2013
Not to mention that dimorphism isn’t necessarily stark.
—Riley Black, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2020
But the general behavioral point is rooted in realities of anatomy and life-history; in many dioecious species males and females exhibit a great deal of biological and behavioral dimorphism.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2010
The reason why honeybees use such a sophisticated and intricate mechanism to regulate the queen–worker dimorphism is a puzzle.
—Chao Yan, Scientific American, 17 June 2020
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Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024
In species with pronounced size dimorphism, larger males compete with one another for access to females, and among the great apes larger males socially dominate females.
—Cara Ocobock, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023
Humans lie closer to gibbons on the dimorphism spectrum: human males can be up to 20 percent more massive, on average, than females.
—Blake Edgar, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2016
Humans seem to lay between other ape lineages in terms of physical dimorphism.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2012
In particular, dimorphism between the sexes, and the importance of selection in mate choice.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2013
Not to mention that dimorphism isn’t necessarily stark.
—Riley Black, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2020
But the general behavioral point is rooted in realities of anatomy and life-history; in many dioecious species males and females exhibit a great deal of biological and behavioral dimorphism.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2010
The reason why honeybees use such a sophisticated and intricate mechanism to regulate the queen–worker dimorphism is a puzzle.
—Chao Yan, Scientific American, 17 June 2020
Dictionary Entries Near dimorphism
Cite this Entry
“Dimorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimorphism. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dimorphism
noun
di·mor·phism
-ˌfiz-əm
: the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: as
a(1)
: the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population
(2)
: the existence of an organ in two different forms
b
: crystallization of a chemical compound in two different forms
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