What does "dimorphism" mean?
The occurrence within a plant of two distinct forms of any part.
Dimorphism
noun
noun ·4 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The occurrence within a plant of two distinct forms of any part.
- Grammar: dimorphism is listed as noun.
- Usage evidence: Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism).
How to use "dimorphism"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dimorphism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dimorphism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dimorphism" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dimorphism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The occurrence within a plant of two distinct forms of any part. countable, uncountable
- 2 (biology) the existence of two forms of individual within the same animal species (independent of sex differences) wordnet
- 3 The occurrence in an animal species of two distinct types of individual. countable, uncountable
"This is also done for Dizygopleura landesi Roth and Eukloedenella pontotocensis Lundin, new species, which illustrate domiciliar (kloedenellid) dimorphism."
- 4 (chemistry) the property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms wordnet
- 5 A property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms. countable, uncountable
Example
"Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism)."
Common questions
How do you use "dimorphism" in a sentence?
Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism).
Etymology
From di- + -morphism.