How Do You Spell POLYMORPHIC?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪmˈɔːfɪk] (IPA)

The word "polymorphic" is spelled using a combination of Greek and Latin roots. The "polym" comes from the Greek "polus," meaning "many," while "morph" comes from the Greek "morphē," meaning "form." The ending "-ic" is derived from Latin, indicating a characteristic or quality. The IPA phonetic transcription of "polymorphic" is /ˌpɒliˈmɔːfɪk/, with emphasis on the third syllable. This word describes something that has many different forms or variations, making it a useful term in fields such as genetics and computer science.

POLYMORPHIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Polymorphic is an adjective that describes the ability of an object, organism, or system to exist in multiple forms or variations. Derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "morph" meaning "form," polymorphic denotes the presence of diversity or versatility within a particular entity or context.

    In the field of biology, polymorphic refers to the existence of different forms or phenotypes within a species. This variation can manifest in physical characteristics, such as variations in color, size, or shape, or even in genetic traits. Polymorphism enables organisms to adapt and survive in different environments, as different forms may be better suited to specific conditions or provide a survival advantage.

    In computer science, polymorphism refers to the ability of an object or function to take on different forms or behaviors depending on the context or inputs. Polymorphic programming allows for the creation of more flexible and adaptable code by leveraging this ability to dynamically change the behavior of objects or functions.

    Polymorphism is also observed in the field of materials science, where it refers to substances or materials that can exist in multiple crystal structures or forms. This property is often advantageous as it allows for the optimization of material properties, such as strength, density, or conductivity.

    Overall, polymorphic represents the capacity for diversity and variation, offering adaptability, versatility, and flexibility in various domains, such as biology, computer science, and materials science.

  2. Occurring in more than one form; polymorphous, pleomorphic, multiform.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for POLYMORPHIC

Etymology of POLYMORPHIC

The word "polymorphic" has its roots in the combination of two Greek words: "poly", meaning "many", and "morphē", meaning "form" or "shape". The term originated from the field of biology, where it was first used in the mid-19th century to describe organisms or genes that can exist in various different forms or stages, often through genetic variation. The use of "polymorphic" has since expanded beyond biology and is now widely employed in multiple disciplines, including computer science, mathematics, and materials science, to describe phenomena or systems with multiple forms or variations.

Similar spelling words for POLYMORPHIC

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