trimorphism

[ trahy-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. Zoology. the occurrence of three forms distinct in structure, coloration, etc., among animals of the same species.
2. Botany. the occurrence of three different forms of flowers, leaves, etc., on the same plant or on distinct plants of the same species.
3. Crystallography. the property of some substances of crystallizing in three structurally distinct forms.
4. the property or condition of occurring in three distinct forms.

trimorphism

/ traɪˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. biology the property exhibited by certain species of having or occurring in three different forms
2. the property of certain minerals of existing in three crystalline forms

Derived Forms

• triˈmorphic, adjective

Other Words From

• tri·morphic tri·morphous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimorphism¹

1855–60; < Greek trímorph ( os ) of three forms ( tri-, -morph ) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimorphism¹

C19: from Greek trimorphos (from tri- + morphē form) + -ism

Example Sentences

There are, also, cases of dimorphism and trimorphism, both with animals and plants.

From Project Gutenberg