polymorphous

American  

[pol-ee-mawr-fuhs] / ˌpɒl iˈmɔr fəs /

adjective

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

2. polymorphic.

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polymorphous British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of polymorphous

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

Example Sentences

On her canvases, polymorphous, shape-shifting figures collide and intertwine; heads multiply; limbs get entangled with each other.

From New York Times

Christopher Stephen Clark, the English musician who records as Clark, has built a huge, polymorphous catalog of instrumental music that ranges from stark, austere techno to exquisite chamber-music soundtracks.

From New York Times

Viewed today, the show’s quirky communitarianism — its idea of America as a polymorphous, all-welcoming dance party — feels like both celebration and requiem for the irreplaceable delight dancing together on a stage.

From New York Times

And on a dresser in the bedroom, another Picasso plate offsets a quirky, multicolored polymorphous work in fiberglass by the French contemporary sculptors known as Les Simonnet.

From New York Times

While an allergy to the sun sounds like a rare situation, polymorphous light eruption is actually relatively common, prevalent in up to 20 percent of people.

From Fox News