polymorphous

[ pol-ee-mawr-fuhs ]

adjective

1. having, assuming, or passing through many or various forms, stages, or the like.
2. polymorphic.

polymorphous

/ ˌpɒlɪˈmɔːfəs /

adjective

1. having, taking, or passing through many different forms or stages
2. (of a substance) exhibiting polymorphism
3. (of an animal or plant) displaying or undergoing polymorphism

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymorphous¹

First recorded in 1775–85, polymorphous is from the Greek word polýmorphos “multiform”; poly-, -morphous

Example Sentences

The nucleus is not polymorphous, but usually divided into two, though it may be single.

From Project Gutenberg

The polymorphonuclear leucocytes have only a few very minute coccal-shaped oxyphile granules, the nucleus is polymorphous.

From Project Gutenberg

Polymorphous, pol-i-mor′fus, adj. having many forms: varying in appearance: taking on many changes—also Polymor′phic.

From Project Gutenberg

The physical conditions under which polymorphous modifications are prepared control the form which the substance assumes.

From Project Gutenberg

(a) The centrifugal fibres consist as above described of the fibre processes of the pyramidal and polymorphous cells.

From Project Gutenberg