rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypolymorphousMany forms
adjective

polymorphous

pah-lee-MOR-fuhs/ˌpɑːliˈmɔːrfəs/

Having or taking many forms.

The display presents water as polymorphous, appearing as liquid, ice, snow, and vapor.

Water shown in several visibly different forms: a clear puddle with splashing droplets, angular ice cubes, loose snow, and curling vapor above a small steaming vessel.
Etymology
polyGreekmany
+morphGreekshape, form
+ousEnglishhaving

“Having many forms” can describe successive forms as well as different forms occurring together. The word has been used especially of insects undergoing marked changes during development.

In context

Lawrence E. Hedges, Ph.D., Psy.D., ABPP43:11
it was freud who first told us that we are polymorphous perverse
Day 2 Sexual Pleasure in Light of Intersubjectivity

More examples

  • Folklore is polymorphous, with the same story appearing in countless versions.
  • The polymorphous material can form several different crystal structures.
  • The disease is polymorphous, producing several distinct types of skin lesions.

Forms

polymorphous

polymorphism noun — The occurrence of several distinct forms.

Similar words

multiform
Means having many forms, without necessarily changing between them.
polymorphic
Often describes distinct biological forms or different crystal structures.