Anamorph

Anamorph, in biology and mycology, refers to the asexual or non-reproductive stage of a fungus. The term contrasts with teleomorph, the sexual reproductive stage. Many fungi exhibit complex life cycles that include both an anamorphic (asexual) stage, during which spores called conidia are produced, and a teleomorphic (sexual) stage, producing sexual spores such as asci or basidia. Historically, mycologists assigned separate genus or species names to the anamorph and teleomorph forms of the same organism, but modern practice under the International Code of Nomenclature emphasizes a single name for each fungus, based on genetic and morphological evidence. Anamorphs are often more abundant and easier to study in culture.

Anamorph is also a term in art and visual perception referring to an image that appears distorted unless viewed from a specific angle or via a reflecting surface such as a cylindrical, conical, or mirror view. This geometric technique is used in anamorphic art and sculpture to create the effect of a coherent image only from a designated viewpoint. A famous example is the anamorphic skull in Holbein's The Ambassadors, and many street artworks rely on curved mirrors or perspective tricks to reveal the intended picture.

In summary, anamorph describes a form of a organism or image that requires a specific condition or viewpoint to be recognized, with distinct meanings in biology and visual art.