noun
polymorphism
pol-ee-MOR-fiz-uhm
Polymorphism (noun) means the ability to take on different forms or shapes. Example: “The polymorphism of the material makes it hard to describe in one simple way.”
noun
1
The ability to take on different forms or shapes.
"The polymorphism of the material makes it hard to describe in one simple way."
"Polymorphism means one thing can appear in several different forms."
2
technical In programming, a feature that lets one method or operation behave differently depending on the type of data it is given.
"Polymorphism lets the same method name work on different kinds of object."
"The course explains inheritance before it moves on to polymorphism."
"Good use of polymorphism can cut down on repeated code."
3
technical In biology, the existence of two or more distinct forms within the same population, not linked by gradual in-between forms.
"Colour polymorphism can appear within a single population of snails."
"Genetic polymorphism describes different versions of a gene existing in a population."
How to use polymorphism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ability of something to take several different forms.
When to use it
It is mostly a technical term, found in computing, biology and science writing.
Memory tip
Always check which field the word is used in, as the meaning changes with it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
genetic polymorphism
object-oriented polymorphism
exhibit polymorphism
polymorphism in programming
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The _____ of the material makes it hard to describe in one simple way.
Etymology
The word is built from the prefix poly- and -morphism. The programming sense was coined by the British computer scientist Christopher Strachey in 1967.
Synonyms
View more →
pleomorphism
Rhymes for polymorphism
See all rhymes for polymorphism →Frequently asked questions
What is polymorphism in programming?
It is a feature that lets a method have several definitions, so it can treat data differently depending on its type.
What does polymorphism mean in biology?
It means two or more distinct forms exist together in the same locality, and they are not joined by intermediate forms.
Who coined polymorphism in computing?
The British computer scientist Christopher Strachey coined the term for programming in 1967.
What is the meaning of polymorphism?
"polymorphism" (noun) means the ability to take on different forms or shapes.
