pleomorphism

views updated Jun 08 2018

pleomorphism (pleiomorphism) A form of polymorphism in which distinctly different forms occur at particular stages during the life cycle of an individual (e.g. the larval, pupal, and imago forms of many insects).

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

pleomorphism

views updated May 23 2018

pleomorphism (plee-oh-mor-fizm) n.
1. marked variation in the shapes of individual cells and cell nuclei, which is a feature of malignant neoplastic cells.

2. the condition in which an individual assumes a number of different forms during its life cycle. The malarial parasite (Plasmodium) displays pleomorphism.

A Dictionary of Nursing

pleomorphism

views updated May 17 2018

pleomorphism(pleiomorphism) A form of polymorphism in which distinctly different forms occur at particular stages during the life cycle of an individual (e.g. the larval, pupal, and imago forms of many insects).

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY