释义 |
dimorphic, a.|daɪˈmɔːfɪk| [mod. f. Gr. δίµορϕ-ος of two forms (f. δι-, δίς twice + µορϕή form) + -ic.] Existing or occurring in two distinct forms; exhibiting dimorphism. a. Bot. Occurring in two distinct forms in the same plant or species, as the submerged and floating leaves in water-plants, disk and ray florets in Compositæ, and (spec.) flowers or plants having stamens and pistils of different relative lengths. b. Zool. Of individuals of the same species (or of the same colony of polyps): Occurring in two forms differing in structure, size, markings, etc., according to sex, season, or function. c. Chem. and Min. Occurring in two distinct crystalline forms not derivable from one another.
1859Darwin Orig. Spec. ii. (1878) 36 The two forms of an allied dimorphic species. c1865J. Wylde in Circ. Sc. I. 311/2 Some bodies have two different forms, or are dimorphic, under different circumstances. 1870Hooker Stud. Flora 299 Primula..Flowers usually dimorphic, having long styles with anthers deep in the tube or the reverse. Ibid. 319 Atriplex patula..sub-sp. hastata..seeds dimorphic, larger brown rough, smaller black smooth. 1878Bell Gegenbaur's Comp. Anat. 123 When the persons of a colony are dimorphic, those which are the more developed are..functionally sexual, while the others are sterile. 1888Rolleston & Jackson Anim. Life 238 The Medusa and Hydroid polype are dimorphic forms..The worker bee is a dimorphic female. |