What does heteromorphic mean?
Heteromorphic is a formal biological adjective meaning that two organisms, structures, or related forms differ noticeably in shape or other structural features. It is especially common in descriptions of organisms that pass through distinct forms during their life cycle, such as plants with different juvenile and adult leaves. In genetics, heteromorphic describes chromosome pairs whose members are not alike in size, shape, or genetic content; heteromorphic sex chromosomes are a frequently discussed example. The word should not be confused with polymorphic, which describes a species or structure that can take several forms, or with isomorphic, which means essentially identical in form. Although heteromorphic is largely restricted to scientific writing, it is useful because it names a specific structural contrast rather than merely saying that two things are different.
adjectiveHaving forms that differ from one another in shape, structure, or appearance, especially in biology. The term is also used for chromosome pairs whose members have different forms or characteristics.
- Of organisms, tissues, or biological structures: having different forms or appearances.
- Of chromosomes or chromosome pairs: consisting of members that differ in size, shape, structure, or gene content.
"The species has heteromorphic leaves, with narrow juvenile foliage and broad adult leaves."
"The two sex chromosomes are heteromorphic, with one chromosome carrying substantially more genetic material than the other."
"In this species, heteromorphic leaves distinguish the juvenile plant from the mature adult."
Heteromorphic means “different-shaped”: in biology, it names forms that resemble each other in function or classification but not in appearance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heteromorphic come from?
Heteromorphic was formed in English from combining elements meaning “different” and “form.” Its components reflect Greek roots: heteros, meaning “different,” and morphē, meaning “form.” The same roots underlie related words such as heterogeneous, heterogeneity, morphology, and morphogenesis.
Related word forms
How heteromorphic is actually used
This is a formal scientific term, used primarily in biology, taxonomy, and genetics. It is uncommon in ordinary conversation and is more specific than a general word for difference.
Easily confused with heteromorphic
Polymorphic describes a single species or structure that occurs in multiple distinct forms, whereas heteromorphic emphasizes a difference in form between two organisms, structures, or chromosome types.
Isomorphic means essentially identical or corresponding in form, while heteromorphic means distinctly different in form or structure.