-morphous

1. a combining form with the meaning “having the shape, form, or structure” of the kind or number specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words.

   polymorphous.

Word History and Origins

Origin of -morphous¹

Representing Greek -morphos, adj. derivative of morphḗ form; -ous

When To Use

What does -morphous mean?

The combining form -morphous is used like a suffix meaning “having the shape, form, or structure.” It is occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in biology.The form -morphous comes from Greek -morphos, meaning “possessing a form,” ultimately from Greek morphḗ, meaning “form.”What are variants of -morphous?In some terms, the form -morphous becomes -morphic, as in xenomorphic. Additional related combining forms include morph-, morpho-, and -morphism. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles on all four combining forms.