pleomorphic
Meaning of pleomorphic: Pleomorphic describes cells, tissue, or organisms that appear in varied shapes and sizes rather than in one uniform, consistent form.
Definition of pleomorphic
Pleomorphic describes something that occurs in multiple distinct shapes or forms rather than in a single, consistent appearance. In pathology, the term is most often applied to cells, describing variation in the size and shape of individual cells or their nuclei when examined under a microscope.
Pronounced pleomorphism is a feature commonly noted in cancerous tissue, since malignant cells often lose the uniform size and shape seen in normal, healthy tissue of the same type, and the degree of pleomorphism observed on biopsy can contribute to how aggressively a tumor is graded. The term is also used outside pathology to describe microorganisms, such as certain bacteria, that can change shape depending on their environment or stage of growth.
Because pleomorphism reflects a departure from the uniform appearance of normal tissue, its presence and degree are one of several microscopic features considered together when a pathologist evaluates a tissue sample.
Used in a sentence
Pathology described marked cellular pleomorphism within the biopsy specimen.
Good to know
Marked pleomorphism on biopsy is one of several features that can indicate a more aggressive tumor grade, though it is interpreted alongside other microscopic findings rather than considered in isolation.
Word origin
Where “pleomorphic” comes from
Formed from Greek pleon, meaning more, combined with morphe, meaning form or shape.