-jē, -ji noun
( -es )
Etymology: German morphologie, from Greek morph- (from morphē form) + German -logie -logy — more at form
1.
a. : a branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of animals and plants : a study of the forms, relations, metamorphoses, and phylogenetic development of organs apart from their functions — see anatomy ; compare physiology
b. : the features comprised in the form and structure of an organism or any of its parts
2.
a. : a study and description of word-formation in a language including inflection, derivation, and compounding — distinguished from syntax
b. : the system of word-forming elements and processes in a language
3.
a. : a study of the structure or form of something
no one had attempted to sketch out a morphology of the political party as such — Times Literary Supplement
social morphology
b. : the structure or form of something : makeup
the evidence speaks in favor of a number of common genetic factors in the morphology of gamblers — R.M.Lindner
in general morphology the later Dutch settlements bore a strong resemblance to those of New England — G.T.Trewartha
the unique morphology of the city — H.J.Nelson
4. : the external structure of rocks in relation to the development of erosional forms or topographic features : geomorphology
5.
a. : the study of the development of the forms of crystals
b. : the assemblage of forms on a crystal