Dimorphism

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /daɪˈmɔː(ɹ)fɪzÉ™m/

Origin

- + morphism + -

Full definition of dimorphism

Noun

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

Related terms

• dimorphic
• dimorphous

Derived terms

• sexual dimorphism