polymorphism

[pol-ee-mawr-fiz-uhm] / ˌpɒl iˈmɔr fɪz əm /

NOUN

variety

Synonyms

STRONG

array assortment change collection combo conglomeration departure discrepancy disparateness divergency diverseness diversification diversity fluctuation heterogeneity heterogeneousness incongruity intermixture medley miscellany mishmash mixture modification multifariousness multiplicity potpourri range shift soup stew variance variation variegation

WEAK

cross section many-sidedness miscellaneousness mixed bag multiformity mélange variousness

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement similarity

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.

The researchers found that the anemones' color variation, or polymorphism, is controlled by different versions of a single fluorescent protein gene.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2024

That third method, used in genealogical testing, is called single nucleotide polymorphism, and it looks at thousands of binding sites in DNA compared to the 25 to 30 sites an STR analyzes.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2023

If a known polymorphism is detected, they can alter the dose or avoid certain drugs altogether if they don't work as well as they should or are more likely to cause side effects.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2021

One factor wasn’t associated with gum disease at all: genetic polymorphism.

From Washington Post • Sep. 10, 2021

We have here, therefore, distinct species, local forms, polymorphism, and simple variability, which seem to me to be distinct phenomena, but which have been hitherto all classed together as varieties.

From Contributions to the Theory of Natural Selection A Series of Essays by Wallace, Alfred Russel