What does monomorphic mean?
Monomorphic describes something that has only one form, type, or version rather than a range of variations. The word is used most often in biology and genetics. A monomorphic species or population may show a single recognizable form, while a monomorphic genetic locus contains only one allele in the population under study. Outside the sciences, the term can describe an object, system, or design that appears unchanged and lacks meaningful variation, although this broader usage is less common and usually has a formal tone. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “single” and “form.” It is especially useful when discussing genetic uniformity because it makes a direct contrast with polymorphic: a monomorphic population or locus shows one form or allele, whereas a polymorphic one shows several. The term is related to other “-morphic” words, including dimorphic, which has two forms, and isomorphic, which has the same form.
adjectiveHaving only one form, type, or variant. In biology and genetics, it may describe a species or population with a single form or a locus in which only one allele is present.
- Of a biological species or population: consisting of a single form or type.
- Of a genetic locus or character: characterized by only one allele in the population being considered.
"The researchers found that the gene was monomorphic in the sampled population."
"The island population was unexpectedly monomorphic, with no detectable variation in body coloration."
"Because the marker was monomorphic in the control group, it was not useful for distinguishing individual animals."
From the Greek roots for “single” and “form,” monomorphic literally means “one form”—a useful label for anything that refuses to come in different varieties.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monomorphic come from?
Monomorphic is formed from the combining form mono-, meaning “single,” and the element morphic, ultimately from Greek morphē, meaning “form” or “shape.” The same Greek root appears in words such as morphology, metamorphosis, and polymorphic. In modern usage, monomorphic is especially associated with biological and genetic descriptions of uniformity.
Related word forms
How monomorphic is actually used
This is chiefly a technical term in biology and genetics. In broader writing, it can describe anything with a single consistent form, but such use may sound formal or deliberately precise.
Easily confused with monomorphic
Monomorphic means having one form or allele, whereas polymorphic means occurring in multiple distinct forms.