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Noun: polymorphism  ,pó-lee'mor,fi-zum
  1. (genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on
     
  2. (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound
    - pleomorphism
     
  3. (biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)

Derived forms: polymorphisms

Type of: chemical phenomenon, organic phenomenon

Encyclopedia: Polymorphism