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Polymorphic: meaning, definitions and examples

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polymorphic

 

[ ˌpɒlɪˈmɔːfɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

programming

Having the ability to take on different forms or have multiple meanings depending on the context.

Synonyms

diverse, multifaceted, variable, versatile

Examples of usage

  • Polymorphic functions in object-oriented programming can operate on different types of objects.
  • The polymorphic nature of the word 'bat' can refer to a flying mammal or a sports equipment.
  • Polymorphism allows for flexibility and reusability in code.
  • In genetics, polymorphic genes have more than one allele.
  • Polymorphic behavior in animals can be influenced by environmental factors.

Translations

Translations of the word "polymorphic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polimórfico

🇮🇳 बहुरूपी

🇩🇪 polymorph

🇮🇩 polimorfik

🇺🇦 поліморфний

🇵🇱 polimorficzny

🇯🇵 多形的 (たけいてき)

🇫🇷 polymorphe

🇪🇸 polimórfico

🇹🇷 polimorfik

🇰🇷 다형성의 (다형성의)

🇸🇦 متعدد الأشكال

🇨🇿 polymorfní

🇸🇰 polymorfný

🇨🇳 多态的 (多态的)

🇸🇮 polimorfni

🇮🇸 fjölbreytilegur

🇰🇿 полиморфты

🇬🇪 პოლიმორფული

🇦🇿 polimorf

🇲🇽 polimórfico

Etymology

The word 'polymorphic' originated from the combination of the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'morph' meaning 'form'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in the context of biology and later expanded to be used in computer science and other fields to describe the ability to take on different forms or meanings.

See also: geomorphology, metamorphosis, morph, morpheme, morphing, morphology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,061, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.