trimorphism

[trahy-mawr-fiz-uhm]

noun

1. Zoology.,  the occurrence of three forms distinct in structure, coloration, etc., among animals of the same species.

2. Botany.,  the occurrence of three different forms of flowers, leaves, etc., on the same plant or on distinct plants of the same species.

3. Crystallography.,  the property of some substances of crystallizing in three structurally distinct forms.

4. the property or condition of occurring in three distinct forms.

trimorphism

/ traɪˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. biology the property exhibited by certain species of having or occurring in three different forms

2. the property of certain minerals of existing in three crystalline forms

Other Word Forms

• trimorphic adjective
• trimorphous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimorphism¹

1855–60; < Greek trímorph ( os ) of three forms ( tri-, -morph ) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimorphism¹

C19: from Greek trimorphos (from _tri- + morphē form) + _-ism

Example Sentences

Dimorphism and trimorphism in plants, papers on,  45.

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Trimorphism and dimorphism in plants, papers on,  45.

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It is comparatively rare in hermaphrodite flowers for self-fertilization to occur, and the various forms of dichogamy, dimorphism and trimorphism are fitted to prevent this.

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Heterogone Trimorphism, in which there is a mid-length as well as a long and a short set of stamens and style; occurs in Lythrum Salicaria and some species of Oxalis.

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It is remarkable as an example of trimorphism, the two sets of stamens and pistil being of different lengths in the same flower.

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