1. the occurrence of more than one distinct form in the life cycle of an organism
Usage: biology
2. variation in the size and shape of cells, especially abnormal cells such as cancer cells
Usage: medicine; pathology

Examples

• The fungus exhibits pleomorphism, appearing in different forms during its complex life cycle.
• Pleomorphism in cancer cells makes them difficult to classify under microscopic examination.
• The pathologist noted significant pleomorphism in the tumor sample.
• Many parasites display pleomorphism as they move between different host organisms.
• The degree of pleomorphism helps doctors determine the aggressiveness of certain cancers.
• Researchers studied the pleomorphism of the bacteria across various environmental conditions.