po·lar·i·ty / pōˈlaritē; pə-/ • n. (pl. -ties) the property of having poles or being polar: it exhibits polarity when presented to a magnetic needle. ∎  the relative orientation of poles; the direction of a magnetic or electric field: the magnetic field peaks in strength immediately after switching polarity. ∎  the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects: the polarity between male and female | the Cold War's neat polarities can hardly be carried on. ∎  Biol. the tendency of living organisms or parts to develop with distinct anterior and posterior (or uppermost and lowermost) ends, or to grow or orient in a particular direction.

polarity
1. The property of a cell, tissue, or organism of being structurally and/or functionally different at opposite ends of its long axis. For example, plants consist of roots, which grow in the direction of the force of gravity, and stems, which grow away from the gravitational force (see geotropism).

2. The property of molecules of having an uneven distribution of electrons, so that one part has a positive charge and the other a negative charge. Such polar molecules include water.

polarity The direction of evolutionary change. The polarity of different states of a character means whether these are primitive or derived.

polarity The direction of evolutionary change. The polarity of different states of a character means whether these are primitive or derived.