polymorphic

[ pol-ee-mawr-fik ]

adjective

1. Biology. (of a species) having more than one form or type as a result of discontinuous variation:

   Cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower are all forms of a single polymorphic species.

2. Computers. of or relating to a virus or other malignant code that has many forms, changing as it replicates:

   Polymorphic malware, which changes its identity up to 19 times a day to avoid detection while taking control of users' computers, has been successfully deactivated.

3. Crystallography. of or relating to a substance that crystallizes into two or more forms having different structure but identical chemistry:

   The pharmaceutical under study here, at five structurally characterized forms, is one of the most polymorphic drugs known.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymorphic¹

poly- ( def ) + -morphic ( def )

Example Sentences

We now understand the process by which a polymorphic race maintains its polymorphism.

From Project Gutenberg

In a general study it is best to include the polymorphic forms under one name.

From Project Gutenberg

The variations have lead authors to divide this polymorphic species into several species and varieties.

From Project Gutenberg

The general rule which correlates this polymorphic change is that its direction changes at a given temperature.

From Project Gutenberg

This interesting form is polymorphic and mimics different species of Amauris.

From Project Gutenberg