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 (computing), interface to entities of different Data type, types or the use of a single symbol to represent multiple different types.: "Polymorph ...
, the ability in programming to present the same programming interface for differing underlying forms
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Ad hoc polymorphism
In programming languages, ad hoc polymorphismC. StracheyFundamental concepts in programming languages Lecture notes for International Summer School in Computer Programming, Copenhagen, August 1967 is a kind of polymorphism in which polymorphic f ...
, applying polymorphic functions to arguments of different types
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Parametric polymorphism
In programming languages and type theory, parametric polymorphism allows a single piece of code to be given a "generic" type, using variables in place of actual types, and then instantiated with particular types as needed. Parametrically polymorph ...
, abstracts types, so that multiple can be used with a single implementation
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Bounded quantification, restricts type parameters to a range of subtypes
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Subtyping
In programming language theory, subtyping (also subtype polymorphism or inclusion polymorphism) is a form of type polymorphism in which a subtype is a datatype that is related to another datatype (the supertype) by some notion of substitutability, ...
, 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
In computing, polymorphic code is code that uses a polymorphic engine to mutate while keeping the original algorithm intact - that is, the ''code'' changes itself every time it runs, but the ''function'' of the code (its semantics) will not chang ...
, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or reverse engineering
Science
Biology
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Chromosomal polymorphism
In genetics, chromosomal polymorphism is a condition where one species contains members with varying chromosome counts or shapes. Polymorphism is a general concept in biology where more than one version of a trait is present in a population.
In ...
, 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
The QRS complex is the combination of three of the graphical deflections seen on a typical electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). It is usually the central and most visually obvious part of the tracing. It corresponds to the depolarization of the ri ...
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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 polyureth ...
, a type of thermoplastic which fuses at 60°C
Fiction
* Polymorph, a
shapeshifting being in:
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"Polymorph" (''Red Dwarf''), third episode of series III of the science fiction sitcom
** "
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)
G.E.L.F. or GELF is an acronym for genetic engineering, genetically engineered lifeform.Elyce Rae Helford "'OK, homeboys, let's posse!' Masculine anxiety, gender, race and class in ''Red Dwarf''" in John R. Cook, Peter Wright, (2006), ''British sci ...
, seen in the series III episode "Polymorph"
* Polymorph, a magical spell in many fantasy
role-playing games that transforms a target into one of many different creatures for a period of time
See also
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Dimorphism (disambiguation)
Dimorphism or dimorphic may refer to:
Science
* Dimorphic root systems, plant roots with two distinctive forms for two separate functions
* Sexual dimorphism, a phenotypic difference between males and females of the same species
* Nuclear dimorphi ...
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Monomorphic (disambiguation)
Monomorphic or Monomorphism may refer to:
*Monomorphism, an injective homomorphism in mathematics
* Monomorphic QRS complex, a wave pattern seen on an electrocardiogram
* Monomorphic, a linguistic term meaning "consisting of only one morpheme"
*Mo ...
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Polymorphism in Lepidoptera
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Shapeshifter (disambiguation)
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