allotropic

[ al-uh-trop-ik, -troh-pik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by allotropy.

Other Words From

• al·lo·trop·i·cal·ly adverb
• al·lo·tro·pic·i·ty [al-, uh, -tr, uh, -, pis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of allotropic¹

First recorded in 1875–80; allotrop(y) + -ic

Example Sentences

"For the creation of quantum mechanics, the application of which has, inter alia, led to the discovery of the allotropic forms of hydrogen."

From US News

In 1845, Schrotter of Vienna discovered amorphous or allotropic phosphorus, which rendered the manufacture of matches less dangerous to health and property.

From Project Gutenberg

Figure 4.—Apparatus for converting white phosphorus into the red allotropic form, 1851.

From Project Gutenberg

It is what chemists call an allotropic form of oxygen, just as the diamond, graphite, and charcoal are all different forms of carbon, and yet the chemical differences are scarcely traceable.

From Project Gutenberg

Vast as that field was, it could not encompass the whole fleet, but half of the lip of the gigantic cone soon disappeared, its component vessels subsiding into a sluggishly flowing stream of allotropic iron.

From Project Gutenberg