isomorphous

American  

[ahy-suh-mawr-fuhs] / ˌaɪ səˈmɔr fəs /

adjective

Chemistry, Crystallography.

1. (of a compound or mineral) capable of crystallizing in a form similar to that of another compound or mineral, used especially of substances so closely related that they form end members of a series of solid solutions.

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Etymology

Origin of isomorphous

First recorded in 1820–30; iso- + -morphous

Example Sentences

In a crystal containing a mixture of isomorphous substances, each substance brings its own influence, which may be made to predominate in turn according to the proportions of the mixture.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 586, March 26, 1887 by Various

For a detailed comparison of the isomorphous relations of the elements the reader is referred to P. von Groth, Chemical Crystallography.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

Arsenic possesses a steel-grey colour, and a decided metallic lustre; it crystallizes on sublimation and slow condensation in rhombohedra, isomorphous with those of antimony and tellurium.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various

When both the crystal form and structure are retained, the substances are said to be isomorphous.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

Copper arsenate is similar to cupric phosphate, and the resemblance is to be observed in the naturally occurring copper arsenates, which are generally isomorphous with the corresponding phosphates.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various