1. a newly evolved form or structure in biology
Usage: biology; technical
2. in paleontology, a structure that appears for the first time in evolutionary history
Usage: paleontology; technical

Examples

• The bird’s wing was considered a neomorph when it first evolved.
• Scientists identified the shell structure as a neomorph in the fossil record.
• The research focused on neomorphs that appeared during the Cambrian explosion.
• This fin type represents a neomorph not seen in earlier species.
• The neomorph provided the organism with a significant evolutionary advantage.