Polymorphism vs. Overloading — 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.

To load too heavily.

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

An excessive load.

The ability to assume different forms or shapes.

(object-oriented) A type of polymorphism, where different functions, operators or variables with the same name are invoked based on the data types of the parameters passed.

(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 loading of a vehicle etc. with too heavy a weight.

(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

Present participle of overload

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)