Found 2 items, similar to pleomorphism.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: pleomorphism pleomorphism n 1: (chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound [syn: polymorphism] 2: (biology) the appearance of two or more distinctly different forms in the life cycle of some organisms
English → English (gcide) Definition: Pleomorphism Pleomorphism \Ple`o*mor"phism\, n. [Gr. ? more + morfh` form.] 1. (Crystallog.) The property of crystallizing under two or more distinct fundamental forms, including dimorphism and trimorphism. [1913 Webster] 2. (Biol.) The theory that the various genera of bacteria are phases or variations of growth of a number of Protean species, each of which may exhibit, according to undetermined conditions, all or some of the forms characteristic of the different genera and species. [1913 Webster]