cryptomorphic

Adjective

cryptomorphic (not comparable)

1. Two objects, especially systems of axioms or semantics for them, are called cryptomorphic if they are equivalent (possibly in some informal sense) but not obviously equivalent.
   • Find them, and prove that an operation satisfying them provides another cryptomorphic version of topology 8.1994, Michael Henle, A Combinatorial Introduction to Topology, page 269
2. Having a form that obscures or masks the underlying meaning or purpose.
   • Some degree of light may perhaps be thrown on the cryptomorphic condition of bodies in combination, by our knowledge of the typical conditions of natural bodies generally, when uncombined.1883, Royal Society of Canada, Déliberations Et Mémoires de la Société Royale Du Canada, page 58
   • But there are two drawings and a painting that will be shown to be of Cézanne père and that have not been recognized as such — because he is without the hat he wears in the works mentioned above — as well as cryptomorphic portraits that are also hatless, all done, we may be sure, from memory.1988, Sidney Geist, Interpreting Cézanne, page 46
3. Having a cryptic structure in which the ultimate active product is carried by the precursorial protein rather than the protein actually encoded by the gene.
   • Three types of genes, namely, immunoglobulin genes, dimorphic genes and cryptomorphic genes, are classified as complex genes.2002, Gurbachan S. Miglani, Advanced Genetics, page 193
   • Hence, among the lower vertebrates, the cistron may be diplomorphic rather than cryptomorphic.1987, Lawrence S. Dillon, The Gene: Its Structure, Function, and Evolution, page 487
4. (earth science) Found or occurring below the soil layer.
   • Either the cryptomorphic silica replaced the microcrystalline dolomite, followed by mineralization or the reverse, in the order of silicification, is possible.1930, Economic Geology and the Bulletin of the Society of Economic Geologists: Volume 46, page 125
   • Cryptomorphic biological soil crusts are the most difficult to observe and occur to a lesser known extent within the Planning Area .2004, Andrews Mangement Unit/Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area: Environmental Impact Statement, page 3-8
5. Composed of minerals that are not expressed in their crystalline form.
   • Both have 'cryptomorphic' types which are similar in composition but in which no felspar has crystallized.1925, The Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society - Volume 20, page 309