Polymorphism, polymorphic, polymorph, polymorphous, or polymorphy may refer to:
Computing
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Polymorphism (computer science)
In programming language theory and type theory, polymorphism is the use of one symbol to represent multiple different types.: "Polymorphic types are types whose operations are applicable to values of more than one type."
In object-oriented progr ...
, the ability in programming to present the same programming interface for differing underlying forms
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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 fu ...
, applying polymorphic functions to arguments of different types
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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
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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
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Subtyping
In programming language theory, subtyping (also called subtype polymorphism or inclusion polymorphism) is a form of type polymorphism. A ''subtype'' is a datatype that is related to another datatype (the ''supertype'') by some notion of substi ...
, different classes related by some common superclass can be used in place of that superclass
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Row polymorphism
In programming language type theory
In mathematics and theoretical computer science, a type theory is the formal presentation of a specific type system. Type theory is the academic study of type systems.
Some type theories serve as alternati ...
, uses structural subtyping to allow polymorphism over records
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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) stays the sam ...
, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or reverse engineering
Science
Biology
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Chromosomal polymorphism, a condition where one species contains members with varying chromosome counts or shapes
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Cell polymorphism, variability in size of cells or nuclei
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Gene polymorphism
A gene is said to be polymorphic if more than one allele occupies that gene's Locus (genetics), 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 ...
, the existence of more than one allele at a gene's locus within a population
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Lipid polymorphism
In biophysics and colloidal chemistry, polymorphism is the ability of lipids to aggregate in a variety of ways, giving rise to structures of different shapes, known as " phases". This can be in the form of spheres of lipid molecules (micelles), ...
, 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 ri ...
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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 ...
, the occurrence of more than one form in the same population of a species
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Polymorphism (RLFP), a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences
Other sciences
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Polymorphism (materials science)
In crystallography, polymorphism is the phenomenon where a compound or element can crystallize into more than one crystal structure.
The preceding definition has evolved over many years and is still under discussion today. Discussion of the def ...
, 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 synthetic, semi-crystalline, biodegradable polyester with a melting point of about 60 °C and a glass transition temperature of about −60 °C. The most common use of polycaprolactone is in the production ...
, a type of thermoplastic which fuses at 60 °C
Fiction
* Polymorph, a
shapeshifting
In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through unnatural means. The idea of shapeshifting is found in the oldest forms of totemism and shamanism, as well as the oldest existen ...
being in:
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"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
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''Polymorph'' (novel), a 1997 cyberpunk novel by Scott Westerfeld
* Polymorph, a magical spell in many fantasy
role-playing game
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, or abbreviated as 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 ...
s that transforms a target into one of many different creatures for a period of time
See also
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Dimorphism (disambiguation)
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Monomorphic (disambiguation)
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Polymorphism in Lepidoptera Many types of polymorphism can be seen in the insect order Lepidoptera. Polymorphism is the appearance of forms or "morphs" differing in color and number of attributes within a single species. In Lepidoptera, polymorphism can be seen not only betwe ...
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Shapeshifter (disambiguation)
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