Polymorphism, polymorphic, polymorph, polymorphous, or polymorphy may refer to:
Computing
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Polymorphism (computer science)
In programming language theory and type theory, polymorphism is the provision of a single interface to entities of different types or the use of a single symbol to represent multiple different types.: "Polymorphic types are types whose operati ...
, the ability in programming to present the same programming interface for differing underlying forms
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Ad hoc polymorphism, applying polymorphic functions to arguments of different types
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Parametric polymorphism, abstracts types, so that multiple can be used with a single implementation
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Bounded quantification
In type theory, bounded quantification (also bounded polymorphism or constrained genericity) refers to universal or existential quantifiers which are restricted ("bounded") to range only over the subtypes of a particular type. Bounded quantificati ...
, restricts type parameters to a range of subtypes
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Subtyping, different classes related by some common superclass can be used in place of that superclass
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Row polymorphism
In programming language type theory
In mathematics, logic, and computer science, a type theory is the formal presentation of a specific type system, and in general type theory is the academic study of type systems. Some type theories serve a ...
, uses structural subtyping to allow polymorphism over records
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Polymorphic code, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or reverse engineering
Science
Biology
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Chromosomal polymorphism, a condition where one species contains members with varying chromosome counts or shapes
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Cell polymorphism, variability in size of cells or nuclei
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Gene polymorphism
A gene is said to be polymorphic if more than one allele occupies that gene's locus within a population. In addition to having more than one allele at a specific locus, each allele must also occur in the population at a rate of at least 1% to gen ...
, the existence of more than one allele at a gene's locus within a population
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Genetic polymorphism
A gene is said to be polymorphic if more than one allele occupies that gene's locus within a population. In addition to having more than one allele at a specific locus, each allele must also occur in the population at a rate of at least 1% to gen ...
, the branching of the genetic tree, caused by two or more alleles occurring at one DNA position or in one DNA region, each with appreciable frequency in the population
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Lipid polymorphism
Polymorphism in biophysics is the ability of lipids to aggregate in a variety of ways, giving rise to structures of different shapes, known as "phases". This can be in the form of sphere of lipid molecules (micelles), pairs of layers that face on ...
, the property of amphiphiles that gives rise to various aggregations of lipids
* Polymorphic, a wave pattern seen on an electrocardiogram; See
QRS complex
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Polymorphism (biology)
In biology, polymorphism is the occurrence of two or more clearly different morphs or forms, also referred to as alternative ''phenotypes'', in the population of a species. To be classified as such, morphs must occupy the same habitat at the s ...
, the occurrence of more than one form in the same population of a species
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Polymorphism (RLFP), a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences
Other sciences
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Polymorphism (materials science)
In materials science, polymorphism describes the existence of a solid material in more than one form or crystal structure. Polymorphism is a form of isomerism. Any crystalline material can exhibit the phenomenon. Allotropy refers to polymorphism ...
, the existence of a solid material in two or more crystal structures, known as polymorphs
* ''Polymorph'', a marketing name for
polycaprolactone
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester with a low melting point of around 60 °C and a glass transition temperature of about −60 °C. The most common use of polycaprolactone is in the production of speciality polyure ...
, a type of thermoplastic which fuses at 60°C
Fiction
* Polymorph, a
shapeshifting
In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shape-shifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through an inherently superhuman ability, divine intervention, demonic manipulation, Magic (paranormal), sorcery, Incantation, ...
being in:
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"Polymorph" (''Red Dwarf''), third episode of series III of the science fiction sitcom
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Emohawk: Polymorph II", fourth episode of series VI of the science fiction sitcom
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''Polymorph'' (novel), a 1997 cyberpunk novel by Scott Westerfeld
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Polymorph (Red Dwarf character), seen in the series III episode "Polymorph"
* Polymorph, a magical spell in many fantasy
role-playing game
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...
s that transforms a target into one of many different creatures for a period of time
See also
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Dimorphism (disambiguation)
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Monomorphic (disambiguation)
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Polymorphism in Lepidoptera Many types of polymorphism can be seen in the insect order Lepidoptera. Polymorphism is appearance of forms or "morphs" differing in colour and number of attributes within a single species. In Lepidoptera, polymorphism can be seen not only between ...
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Shapeshifter (disambiguation)
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