pleomorphism

/ˈpliəˌmɔrˈfɪzəm/

Definitions of pleomorphism

1. noun

   (biology) the appearance of two or more distinctly different forms in the life cycle of some organisms
   type of:

   organic phenomenon

   (biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals
2. noun

   (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound
   synonyms: polymorphism

   types:

   dimorphism

   (chemistry) the property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms

   type of:

   chemical phenomenon

   any natural phenomenon involving chemistry (as changes to atoms or molecules)