Deuteromorphic

/ˌdjuːtərəʊˈmɔːrfɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or exhibiting a secondary form or shape; having characteristics of secondary development or structural arrangement.

Etymology

From deutero- (second) + -morphic (from Greek 'morphe' meaning 'form' or 'shape'). This describes structures showing secondary patterns of development.

Kelly Says

When plants or animals evolve to live in new environments, they sometimes develop a completely different secondary form—like how tadpoles transform into frogs—and 'deuteromorphic' describes that dramatic change in shape.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.