dimorphous, a.
(daɪˈmɔːfəs)
[f. Gr. δίµορϕ-ος of two forms + -ous.]
= dimorphic. (Mostly in Chem. and Min.)
| 1832 Johnston Progr. Chem. in Rep. Brit. Assoc. (1835) 432 Sulphur and carbon therefore possess two forms, or they are dimorphous. 1850 Daubeny Atom. Th. iv. (ed. 2) 123 Bodies..capable of assuming two distinct crystalline forms..according to the circumstances under which they had been brought into the solid condition..are termed dimorphous. 1869 M. Somerville Molec. Sc. i. i. 16 The diamond crystallizes in octohedrons, while graphite..crystallizes in six-sided plates:..and thus carbon possesses the property of being dimorphous. 1874 Lubbock Wild Flowers ii. 35 The majority of species of the genus Primula appear to be dimorphous. |