Polymorphism, polymorphic, polymorph, polymorphous, or polymorphy may refer to:

Computing

  • Polymorphism (computer science), the ability in programming to present the same programming interface for differing underlying forms
  • Ad hoc polymorphism, applying polymorphic functions to arguments of different types
  • Parametric polymorphism, abstracts types, so that multiple can be used with a single implementation
  • Bounded quantification, restricts type parameters to a range of subtypes
  • Subtyping, different classes related by some common superclass can be used in place of that superclass
  • Row polymorphism, uses structural subtyping to allow polymorphism over records
  • Polymorphic code, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or reverse engineering

Science

Biology

  • Chromosomal polymorphism, a condition where one species contains members with varying chromosome counts or shapes
  • Cell polymorphism, variability in size of cells or nuclei
  • Gene polymorphism, the existence of more than one allele at a gene's locus within a population
  • Lipid polymorphism, the property of amphiphiles that gives rise to various aggregations of lipids
  • Polymorphic, a wave pattern seen on an electrocardiogram; see QRS complex
  • Polymorphism (biology), the occurrence of more than one form in the same population of a species
  • Polymorphism (RLFP), a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences

Other sciences

  • Crystal polymorphism, the existence of a solid material in two or more crystal structures, known as polymorphs
  • Polymorph, a marketing name for polycaprolactone, a type of thermoplastic which fuses at 60 °C

Fiction

  • Polymorph, a shapeshifting being in:
  • "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
  • Polymorph (novel), a 1997 cyberpunk novel by Scott Westerfeld
  • 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

  • Dimorphism (disambiguation)
  • Monomorphic (disambiguation)
  • Polymorphism in Lepidoptera
  • Shapeshifter (disambiguation)