Derivatives:
trimorphic adj. trimorphous adj.
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\(ˈ)trī|mȯrˌfizəm\ noun (-s)Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary trimorph- (from Greek trimorphos having three forms) + -ism
1. : polymorphism in which there are three distinct forms of a species or of a particular caste — compare dimorphism a
2. : occurrence of three distinct forms of organs (as leaves or flowers) on individuals of the same species : heterogony
3. : the property of crystallizing in three different forms
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—trimorphic, trimorphous, adj.
/truy mawr"fiz euhm/, n.
1. Zool. the occurrence of three forms distinct in structure, coloration, etc., among animals of the same species.
2. Bot. the occurrence of three different forms of flowers, leaves, etc., on the same plant or on distinct plants of the same species.
3. Crystall. the property of some substances of crystallizing in three structurally distinct forms.
4. the property or condition of occurring in three distinct forms.
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trimorphism /trī-mörˈfi-zm/
noun
1. Occurrence of three forms in the same species (biology)
2. The property of crystallizing in three forms (chem)
ORIGIN: ↑tri- and Gr morphē form
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trimorˈphic or trimorˈphous adjective
Useful english dictionary. 2012.