pleomorphism

ple·o·mor·phism  (pl-môrfzm)

n.

1. Chemistry See polymorphism.

2. Biology The occurrence of two or more structural forms during a life cycle, especially of certain plants.

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pleo·morphic adj.

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pleomorphism, pleomorphy

the existence of a plant or animal in two or more distinct forms during a life cycle. Also called polymorphism. — pleomorphic, pleomorphous, adj.

See also: Biology

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	pleomorphism - (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound polymorphism chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions chemical phenomenon - any natural phenomenon involving chemistry (as changes to atoms or molecules) dimorphism - (chemistry) the property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms
	2.	pleomorphism - (biology) the appearance of two or more distinctly different forms in the life cycle of some organisms biological science, biology - the science that studies living organisms organic phenomenon - (biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals