dimorphism

From di- +‎ -morphism.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /daɪˈmɔːfɪzəm/

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dimorphism (countable and uncountable, plural dimorphisms)

1. (biology) The occurrence within a plant of two distinct forms of any part.
2. (biology) The occurrence in an animal species of two distinct types of individual.
   • 1965, Robert F. Lundin, Bulletin - Issue 108, page 18:

     This is also done for Dizygopleura landesi Roth and Eukloedenella pontotocensis Lundin, new species, which illustrate domiciliar (kloedenellid) dimorphism.

3. (geology) A property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms.

• dimorphic
• dimorphous

• monomorphism
• polymorphism
• biform