polymorphism
noun
poly·mor·phism
ˌpä-lē-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm 
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: such as
a(1)
: existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2)
: existence of a gene in several allelic forms
also
: a variation in a specific DNA sequence
(3)
: existence of a molecule (such as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b
: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
Examples of polymorphism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Clonal polymorphism and high heterozygosity in the celibate genome of the Amazon molly
Cell Research.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024
But the presence of more than one color polymorphism, or ‘morph’, in a population is probably one of the most enigmatic of evolutionary questions.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The gene variants that link plumage color polymorphism are probably also linked to adaptations to extreme cold, despite less melanin pigmentation in the grey morph owls’ plumage reducing their ability to transform sunlight into heat.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The majority of genetic tests available online look only at a select number of common genetic variables called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), along with some other markers of genetic variation.
—WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for polymorphism 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024
But the presence of more than one color polymorphism, or ‘morph’, in a population is probably one of the most enigmatic of evolutionary questions.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The gene variants that link plumage color polymorphism are probably also linked to adaptations to extreme cold, despite less melanin pigmentation in the grey morph owls’ plumage reducing their ability to transform sunlight into heat.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The majority of genetic tests available online look only at a select number of common genetic variables called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), along with some other markers of genetic variation.
—WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for polymorphism
Dictionary Entries Near polymorphism
Cite this Entry
“Polymorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymorphism. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polymorphism
noun
poly·mor·phism
ˌpäl-i-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: as
a(1)
: existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2)
: existence of a gene in several allelic forms
also
: a variation in a specific sequence of DNA
(3)
: existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b
: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share