Polymorphism

Look up polymorph or polymorphism in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Polymorphism, polymorphic or polymorph may refer to:

Computing

• Polymorphism (computer science), the ability in computer programming to present the same interface for differing underlying forms (data types)
• Polymorphic code, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or to defeat reverse engineers

Science

• Polymorphism (materials science), the ability of a solid material to exist in multiple forms or crystal structures known as polymorphs
• Polymorphism (biology), the occurrence of more than one form in the same population of a species
• Polymorph, short for polymorphonuclear leukocyte or granulocyte, a type of white blood cell
• Polymorph, a trade name for the low melting-temperature polymer, Polycaprolactone
• Lipid polymorphism, the property of amphiphiles that gives rise to various aggregations of lipids
• Polymorphic QRS complex, a wave pattern seen on an electrocardiogram
• Polymorphous perversity, a concept in psychoanalytic theory

Fiction

• In fiction, polymorph may refer to a shapeshifting being. Specific examples include:
  • Polymorphs, shapeshifting aliens in Red Dwarf which featured in two episodes:
    • "Polymorph" (Red Dwarf episode)
    • "Emohawk: Polymorph II"
  • Polymorph (novel), a 1997 novel by Scott Westerfeld
  • Polymorph, a magical spell in many fantasy role-playing games that transforms a target into one of many different creatures for a period of time

See also

• Dimorphism (disambiguation)
• Monomorphic (disambiguation)