dimorphism
noun
di·mor·phism
| \ (ˌ)dī-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm
\
\
Definition of dimorphism
: the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: such as
a
: the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population
sexual dimorphism
b
: the existence of a part (such as leaves of a plant) in two different forms
Examples of dimorphism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hunt believes knowledge of the adverse effects of dimorphism could help us better predict and prepare for species endangerment down the road. — Ryan P. Smith, Smithsonian, "What the Large Penises of Tiny Crustaceans Tell Us About Evolution," 16 Apr. 2018 Phylogenetic analyses of sexual selection and sexual size dimorphism in pinnipeds. — Darren Naish, Scientific American Blog Network, "Incredible Elephant Seals, Part 1," 3 June 2017 This is a classic example of what biologists call sexual dimorphism—the two sexes of the same species exhibit differences in form or behavior. — Smithsonian, "What Dung Beetles Can Teach Us About Sexual Difference," 22 Mar. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dimorphism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for dimorphism
dimorphism
noun
di·mor·phism
| \ -ˌfiz-əm
\
\
Medical Definition of dimorphism
: the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: as
a(1)
: the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species especially in the same population
(2)
: the existence of an organ in two different forms
b
: crystallization of a chemical compound in two different forms