ScienceSeptember 8, 2026
dimorphism
dy-MOR-fi-zum
Definition
The condition of having two distinct forms, specifically referring to physical differences between males and females of the same species.
How do you pronounce dimorphism?
Dimorphism is pronounced dy-MOR-fi-zum (IPA: //ˌdaɪˈmɔrfɪzəm//).
Where does dimorphism come from?
The word is derived from the Greek 'di-' meaning 'two' and 'morphe' meaning 'form' or 'shape', combined with the suffix '-ism' to denote a state or condition.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how the facial width-to-height ratio shifts between genders as golden snub-nosed monkeys reach adulthood, a developmental change in their sexual dimorphism.
Primate's face-dominance trait studied
Read the full article ↗chinadailyhk
Related words
Words with related meanings from the news.