trimorphism
[ trahy-mawr-fiz-uh m ]
/ traɪˈmɔr fɪz əm /
noun
Zoology. the occurrence of three forms distinct in structure, coloration, etc., among animals of the same species.
Botany. the occurrence of three different forms of flowers, leaves, etc., on the same plant or on distinct plants of the same species.
Crystallography. the property of some substances of crystallizing in three structurally distinct forms.
the property or condition of occurring in three distinct forms.
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OTHER WORDS FROM trimorphism
tri·mor·phic, tri·mor·phous, adjectiveWords nearby trimorphism
trimming, trimodal, trimolecular, trimonthly, trimorph, trimorphism, trimotor, trimurti, trinacria, trinacrian, trinal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for trimorphism
There are, also, cases of dimorphism and trimorphism, both with animals and plants.
On the Origin of Species|Charles Darwin
British Dictionary definitions for trimorphism
trimorphism
/ (traɪˈmɔːfɪzəm) /
noun
biology the property exhibited by certain species of having or occurring in three different forms
the property of certain minerals of existing in three crystalline forms
Derived forms of trimorphism
trimorphic or trimorphous, adjectiveWord Origin for trimorphism
C19: from Greek trimorphos (from tri- + morphē form) + -ism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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