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

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