Definition of: dimorphism

(dī·môr′fiz·əm) noun
1. The quality of existing in two different forms.
2. Bot. The existence of two distinct forms of the same organ on the same plant, or on the same species of plant.
3. Zool. A difference in form, color, etc., between individuals of the same species, characterizing two distinct types.
4. Physics Crystallization of the same substance in two forms.
5. Ling. The existence of a word in two different forms in the same language, as dent and dint, card and chart; a doublet. [<Gk. dimorphos <di- two + morphē form]
—di·mor′phic, di·mor′phous adjective