heteromorphic

[ het-er-uh-mawr-fik ]

adjective

1. Biology. dissimilar in shape, structure, or magnitude.
2. Entomology. undergoing complete metamorphosis; possessing varying forms.

heteromorphic

/ ˌhɛtərəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. differing from the normal form in size, shape, and function
2. (of pairs of homologous chromosomes) differing from each other in size or form
3. (esp of insects) having different forms at different stages of the life cycle

Derived Forms

• ˌheteroˈmorphism, noun

Other Words From

• heter·o·morphism heter·o·morphy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heteromorphic¹

First recorded in 1860–65; hetero- + -morphic

Example Sentences

I find that the mid-styled (by variation) P. sinensis is more fertile with own pollen, even, than a heteromorphic union!

From Project Gutenberg

Heteromorphic, het-e-ro-mor′fik, adj. deviating in form from a given type—also Heteromor′phous.

From Project Gutenberg

Organic development is not like crystallisation; it is heteromorphic crystallisation, so to speak.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aberrant
• anomalous
• atypical
• bizarre
• exceptional
• extraordinary
• irregular
• odd
• peculiar
• strange
• uncommon
• unexpected
• unnatural
• unusual
• weird