polymorphism

Pol`y*mor"phism, n. 1. (Crystallog.) Defn: Same as Pleomorphism. 2. (Biol.) (a) The capability of assuming different forms; the capability of widely varying in form. (b) Existence in many forms; the coexistence, in the same locality, of two or more distinct forms independent of sex, not connected by intermediate gradations, but produced from common parents.

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