Polymorphism, polymorphic, polymorph, polymorphous, or polymorphy may refer to:

Computing

Polymorphism (computer science) In programming language theory and type theory, polymorphism is the provision of a single interface to entities of different types or the use of a single symbol to represent multiple different types.: "Polymorphic types are types whose operation ...

, the ability in programming to present the same programming interface for differing underlying forms *

Ad hoc polymorphism In programming languages, ad hoc polymorphismC. StracheyFundamental concepts in programming languages Lecture notes for International Summer School in Computer Programming, Copenhagen, August 1967 is a kind of polymorphism in which polymorphic fun ...

, applying polymorphic functions to arguments of different types *

Parametric polymorphism In programming languages and type theory, parametric polymorphism allows a single piece of code to be given a "generic" type, using variables in place of actual types, and then instantiated with particular types as needed. Parametrically polymorph ...

, abstracts types, so that multiple can be used with a single implementation **

Bounded quantification In type theory, bounded quantification (also bounded polymorphism or constrained genericity) refers to universal or existential quantifiers which are restricted ("bounded") to range only over the subtypes of a particular type. Bounded quantificat ...

, restricts type parameters to a range of subtypes *

Subtyping In programming language theory, subtyping (also subtype polymorphism or inclusion polymorphism) is a form of type polymorphism in which a subtype is a datatype that is related to another datatype (the supertype) by some notion of substitutability, ...

, different classes related by some common superclass can be used in place of that superclass * Row polymorphism, uses structural subtyping to allow polymorphism over records *

Polymorphic code In computing, polymorphic code is code that uses a polymorphic engine to mutate while keeping the original algorithm intact - that is, the ''code'' changes itself every time it runs, but the ''function'' of the code (its semantics) will not chang ...

, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or reverse engineering

Science

Biology

* Chromosomal polymorphism, a condition where one species contains members with varying chromosome counts or shapes * Cell polymorphism, variability in size of cells or nuclei *

Gene polymorphism A gene is said to be polymorphic if more than one allele occupies that gene's locus within a population. In addition to having more than one allele at a specific locus, each allele must also occur in the population at a rate of at least 1% to ge ...

, the existence of more than one allele at a gene's locus within a population *

Genetic polymorphism A gene is said to be polymorphic if more than one allele occupies that gene's locus within a population. In addition to having more than one allele at a specific locus, each allele must also occur in the population at a rate of at least 1% to ge ...

, the branching of the genetic tree, caused by two or more alleles occurring at one DNA position or in one DNA region, each with appreciable frequency in the population * Lipid polymorphism, the property of amphiphiles that gives rise to various aggregations of lipids * Polymorphic, a wave pattern seen on an electrocardiogram; See

QRS complex The QRS complex is the combination of three of the graphical deflections seen on a typical electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). It is usually the central and most visually obvious part of the tracing. It corresponds to the depolarization of the r ...

Polymorphism (biology) In biology, polymorphism is the occurrence of two or more clearly different morphs or forms, also referred to as alternative ''phenotypes'', in the population of a species. To be classified as such, morphs must occupy the same habitat at the s ...

, the occurrence of more than one form in the same population of a species * Polymorphism (RLFP), a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences

Other sciences

Polymorphism (materials science) In materials science, polymorphism describes the existence of a solid material in more than one form or crystal structure. Polymorphism is a form of isomerism. Any crystalline material can exhibit the phenomenon. Allotropy refers to polymorphism ...

, the existence of a solid material in two or more crystal structures, known as polymorphs * ''Polymorph'', a marketing name for

polycaprolactone Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester with a low melting point of around 60 °C and a glass transition temperature of about −60 °C. The most common use of polycaprolactone is in the production of speciality polyuret ...

, a type of thermoplastic which fuses at 60°C

Fiction

* Polymorph, a

shapeshifting In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shape-shifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through an inherently superhuman ability, divine intervention, demonic manipulation, sorcery, spells or having inherited the ...

being in: ** "Polymorph" (''Red Dwarf''), third episode of series III of the science fiction sitcom ** " Emohawk: Polymorph II", fourth episode of series VI of the science fiction sitcom ** ''Polymorph'' (novel), a 1997 cyberpunk novel by Scott Westerfeld ** Polymorph (Red Dwarf character), seen in the series III episode "Polymorph" * Polymorph, a magical spell in many fantasy

role-playing game A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...

s that transforms a target into one of many different creatures for a period of time

Computing

Science

Biology

Other sciences

Fiction

See also