polymorphism

[pol-ee-mawr-fiz-uhm] / ˌpɒl iˈmɔr fɪz əm /

NOUN

variety

Synonyms

STRONG

array assortment change collection combo conglomeration departure discrepancy disparateness divergency diverseness diversification diversity fluctuation heterogeneity heterogeneousness incongruity intermixture medley miscellany mishmash mixture modification multifariousness multiplicity potpourri range shift soup stew variance variation variegation

WEAK

cross section many-sidedness miscellaneousness mixed bag multiformity mélange variousness

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement similarity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Our results support the intriguing possibility that numerous other traits that are sex-specific but more difficult to investigate are genetically encoded on the matrilinear genome like the color polymorphism of the female cuckoo."

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

That third method, used in genealogical testing, is called single nucleotide polymorphism, and it looks at thousands of binding sites in DNA compared to the 25 to 30 sites an STR analyzes.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2023

Certain regions of the chromosome that are subject to polymorphism will lead to the generation of the unique banding pattern.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Some people have a polymorphism that instructs their body to create two of the same enzyme instead of just one.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2021

Similarly, the differences that exist among termites and ants, as Emery shows, may be described as polymorphism due to food.

From The Biological Problem of To-day Preformation Or Epigenesis? The Basis of a Theory of Organic Development by Hertwig, Oscar