heteromorphic
Americanadjective
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Biology. dissimilar in shape, structure, or magnitude.
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Entomology. undergoing complete metamorphosis; possessing varying forms.
adjective
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differing from the normal form in size, shape, and function
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(of pairs of homologous chromosomes) differing from each other in size or form
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(esp of insects) having different forms at different stages of the life cycle
Other Word Forms
- heteromorphism noun
- heteromorphy noun
Etymology
Origin of heteromorphic
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.
Matthews and colleagues’ genome will provide researchers with the opportunity to examine how the homomorphic sex chromosomes of A. aegypti are maintained, rather than evolving into heteromorphic chromosomes that are broadly different between the sexes — a better-understood phenomenon that is exemplified by the human X and Y chromosomes.
From Nature
Organic development is not like crystallisation; it is heteromorphic crystallisation, so to speak.
From Project Gutenberg
It is open to question, however, how far the evidence from such “heteromorphic regeneration” can be regarded as conclusive on the points of homology.
From Project Gutenberg
Heteromorphic, het-e-ro-mor′fik, adj. deviating in form from a given type—also Heteromor′phous.—ns.
From Project Gutenberg
The occurrence of heteromorphic unions renders it necessary to keep in mind that plants hermaphrodite as to structure are by no means necessarily so as to function.
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
