Noun: dimorphism dI'mor,fi-zum
- (biology) the existence of two forms of individual within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)
"Color dimorphism in butterflies helps them adapt to different environments"
- (chemistry) the property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms
"The dimorphism of calcium carbonate results in the minerals calcite and aragonite"
Derived forms: dimorphisms
Type of: pleomorphism, polymorphism
Encyclopedia: Dimorphism