Polymorphism

Polymorphism, polymorphic, polymorph, polymorphous, or polymorphy may refer to:

Computing

• Polymorphism (computer science), the ability in programming to present the same programming interface for differing underlying forms
• Ad hoc polymorphism, applying polymorphic functions to arguments of different types
• Parametric polymorphism, abstracts types, so that multiple can be used with a single implementation
  • Bounded quantification, restricts type parameters to a range of subtypes
• Subtyping, different classes related by some common superclass can be used in place of that superclass
• Row polymorphism, uses structural subtyping to allow polymorphism over records
• Polymorphic code, self-modifying program code designed to defeat anti-virus programs or reverse engineering

Science

Biology

• Chromosomal polymorphism, a condition where one species contains members with varying chromosome counts or shapes
• Cell polymorphism, variability in size of cells or nuclei
• Gene polymorphism, the existence of more than one allele at a gene's locus within a population
• Lipid polymorphism, the property of amphiphiles that gives rise to various aggregations of lipids
• Polymorphic, a wave pattern seen on an electrocardiogram; see QRS complex
• Polymorphism (biology), the occurrence of more than one form in the same population of a species
• Polymorphism (RLFP), a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences

Other sciences

• Polymorphism (materials science), the existence of a solid material in two or more crystal structures, known as polymorphs
• Polymorph, a marketing name for polycaprolactone, a type of thermoplastic which fuses at 60 °C

Fiction

• Polymorph, a shapeshifting being in:
  • "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
  • Polymorph (novel), a 1997 cyberpunk novel by Scott Westerfeld
• Polymorph, a magical spell in many fantasy role-playing games that transforms a target into one of many different creatures for a period of time

See also

• All pages with titles containing Polymorphism
• Dimorphism (disambiguation)
• Monomorphic (disambiguation)
• Polymorphism in Lepidoptera
• Shapeshifter (disambiguation)