dimorphism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “dimorphism” mean?
The condition or property of occurring in two distinct forms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The condition or property of occurring in two distinct forms.
In biology, it commonly refers to the occurrence of two different forms, such as in size, colour, or shape, within the same species (e.g., sexual dimorphism). In other sciences like geology or chemistry, it can refer to the property of crystallizing in two distinct forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs primarily in the treatment of the 'r' in 'morphism'.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in relevant scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dimorphism” in a Sentence
dimorphism in [noun]dimorphism between [noun] and [noun]dimorphism of [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimorphism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The species does not dimorph under these conditions.
- These crystals can dimorph depending on the temperature.
American English
- The species does not dimorph under these conditions.
- These crystals can dimorph depending on the temperature.
adverb
British English
- The traits varied dimorphically across the population.
- The mineral occurs dimorphically in nature.
American English
- The traits varied dimorphically across the population.
- The mineral occurs dimorphically in nature.
adjective
British English
- The dimorphic characteristics were clearly visible.
- They studied the dimorphic fungus in detail.
American English
- The dimorphic characteristics were clearly visible.
- They studied the dimorphic fungus in detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in highly specialized contexts like biotech or materials science reports.
Academic
Common in biology, anthropology, geology, and materials science literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in relevant scientific fields to describe binary structural or phenotypic differences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimorphism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dimorphism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimorphism”
- Misspelling as 'dimorphisim' or 'dymorphism'.
- Confusing with 'polymorphism' (many forms).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while commonly associated with biology (especially sexual dimorphism), it is also used in geology, chemistry, and other sciences to describe any binary structural difference.
'Dimorphism' specifically refers to the existence of two distinct forms. 'Polymorphism' refers to the existence of multiple (more than two) forms.
The related adjective is 'dimorphic'. For example, 'a dimorphic species' is one that exhibits two forms.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term primarily used in academic and scientific writing. It is unlikely to be encountered in everyday language.
The condition or property of occurring in two distinct forms.
Dimorphism is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Dimorphism: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈmɔː.fɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈmɔːr.fɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'di-' meaning two (like in 'dioxide') and 'morph' meaning form (like in 'metamorphosis'). So, dimorphism = two forms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FORK IN THE ROAD (representing a single source diverging into two distinct paths or forms).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'dimorphism' LEAST likely to be used?