Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

allomorphism

Noun

/ˌæl.əˈmɔːr.fɪ.zəm/

Definition

Allomorphism refers to the phenomenon where a single substance exhibits different forms or structures under varying conditions.

Examples

In linguistics, allomorphism can be seen in the different pronunciations of the plural forms of words, such as ‘cats’ and ‘dogs.’
A classic example of allomorphism in chemistry is the different crystalline forms of carbon, such as graphite and diamond.

Meaning

The term is primarily used in chemistry and linguistics to describe how the same element or word can manifest in multiple forms while retaining its fundamental properties or characteristics.