polymorphism

Other Definitions
polymorphism (dict)

In general, polymorphism describes multiple possible states for a single property (it is said to be polymorphic). Polymorphism can be:

In materials science polymorphism is the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure. Diamond and graphite are examples of polymorphs of carbon. α-ferrite, austenite, and δ-ferrite are polymorphs of iron. When found in elemental solids the condition is also called Allotropy.
In biology multiple alleles of a gene within a population, usually expressing different phenotypes, are called polymorphism. For instance, human skin color is polymorphic. See polymorphism (biology). Polymorphism in biology can also refer to single nucleotide polymorphisms.
In computer programming, polymorphism is enabling operations to accept arguments of varying types.
In computer underground terms, Polymorphic code is self-modifying code designed to defeat antivirus programs.

Word Browser