Dimorphic

/daɪˈmɔrfɪk/ adjective

Definition

Existing or occurring in two distinctly different forms, shapes, or types.

Etymology

From Greek 'di-' (two) plus 'morph' (form) plus '-ic' (relating to). The term entered English through scientific literature in the 1800s to describe natural phenomena with two distinct forms.

Kelly Says

Sexual dimorphism—where males and females look totally different—is one of the most obvious examples, but birds also show color dimorphism, and some plants are dimorphic in their leaf shapes depending on water conditions.

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