Polymorphism vs. Allotropy — What's the Difference?

(Biology) The occurrence of more than one form, as several alleles of a particular gene or winged and wingless forms of the same species.

Allotropy or allotropism (from Ancient Greek ἄλλος (allos) 'other', and τρόπος (tropos) 'manner, form') is the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state, known as allotropes of the elements. Allotropes are different structural modifications of an element; the atoms of the element are bonded together in a different manner.

(Chemistry) Crystallization of a compound in at least two distinct forms. Also called pleomorphism.

The existence of two or more crystalline or molecular structural forms of an element that have different chemical or physical attributes.

The ability to assume different forms or shapes.

(chemistry) A property, exhibited by some elements, of existing in multiple forms with different atomic structures.

(biology) The coexistence, in the same locality, of two or more distinct forms independent of sex, not connected by intermediate gradations, but produced from common parents.

The phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms

(object-oriented programming) The feature pertaining to the dynamic treatment of data elements based on their type, allowing for an instance of a method to have several definitions. en

The property of certain typed formal systems of allowing for the use of type variables and binders/quantifiers over those type variables; likewise, the property of certain expressions (within such typed formal systems) of making use of at least one such typed variable.

(crystallography) The ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure; pleomorphism.

(genetics) The regular existence of two or more different genotypes within a given species or population; also, variability of amino acid sequences within a gene's protein.

Same as Pleomorphism.

The capability of assuming different forms; the capability of widely varying in form.

(chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound

(biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences)