PLEOMORPHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Pleomorphic is an adjective that describes the ability of a cell or organism to exist in multiple forms or have a variety of shapes or structures. It is derived from the Greek words "pleo" meaning "many" and "morphe" meaning "form."
In the medical context, pleomorphic is often used to refer to abnormal cells or tissues that exhibit a range of different appearances under a microscope. These variations in shape, size, and structure may signify deviations from normal cellular morphology and may be indicative of underlying disease processes. Pleomorphism can be observed in various types of cells, such as bacteria, fungi, or cancerous cells.
For instance, pleomorphic bacteria are those that have the ability to alter their size and shape in response to certain environmental conditions. This adaptability allows them to survive in different host organisms or evade the immune system. Pleomorphism can also be observed in cancer cells, where malignant tumors may exhibit a heterogeneous mixture of cell shapes and structures.
Furthermore, pleomorphic may also refer to the ability of certain viruses to change their outer protein coat or envelope. This characteristic makes it challenging for the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus, facilitating its persistence and potential transmission.
Overall, the term pleomorphic encompasses the idea of polymorphism or variability in form, which can be observed at the cellular and organismal levels, particularly within the context of disease processes.
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Occurring in more than one form; pleomorphous, polymorphous, multiform.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEOMORPHIC
Etymology of PLEOMORPHIC
The word "pleomorphic" is derived from two Greek roots: "pleo" and "morph".
"Pleo" (πλέω) means "more" or "many" in Greek and is often used as a prefix to indicate abundance or a greater quantity.
"Morph" (μορφή) means "shape" or "form" in Greek.
Thus, when combined, "pleomorphic" refers to the existence of multiple forms or shapes. In biology and medicine, it is commonly used to describe the ability of certain cells or microorganisms to change their shape or form.
Similar spelling words for PLEOMORPHIC
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