polymorphism
noun
poly·mor·phism
ˌpä-lē-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm 
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: such as
a(1)
: existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2)
: existence of a gene in several allelic forms
also
: a variation in a specific DNA sequence
(3)
: existence of a molecule (such as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b
: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
Examples of polymorphism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The technology scans the entire genome for single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs—the spots where one person’s genome might have a T, while another’s has a C—for associations with human behaviors.
—
Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System scientists, the agency said, also employed mitochondrial DNA analysis, mitochondrial genome sequencing, and nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphism testing.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
Lightweight forms of polymorphism can also be applied to IoT cybersecurity, rotating communication protocols and encryption keys, enhancing resilience and being mindful of resources simultaneously.
—Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
And within this group, the researchers identified three tiny mutations – known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – that increased one's chances of being impacted by the kidney and mental health conditions.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polymorphism
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Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System scientists, the agency said, also employed mitochondrial DNA analysis, mitochondrial genome sequencing, and nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphism testing.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
Lightweight forms of polymorphism can also be applied to IoT cybersecurity, rotating communication protocols and encryption keys, enhancing resilience and being mindful of resources simultaneously.
—Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
And within this group, the researchers identified three tiny mutations – known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – that increased one's chances of being impacted by the kidney and mental health conditions.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polymorphism
Cite this Entry
“Polymorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymorphism. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polymorphism
noun
poly·mor·phism
ˌpäl-i-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: as
a(1)
: existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex
(2)
: existence of a gene in several allelic forms
also
: a variation in a specific sequence of DNA
(3)
: existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species
b
: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
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