allotropy

or al·lot·ro·pism

[ uh-lo-truh-pee ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a property of certain elements, as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, of existing in two or more distinct forms; allomorphism.

allotropy

/ ˌæləˈtrɒpɪk; əˈlɒtrəpɪ /

noun

1. the existence of an element in two or more physical forms. The most common elements having this property are carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus

Derived Forms

• ˌalloˈtropically, adverb
• allotropic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of allotropy¹

First recorded in 1840–50; allo- + -tropy

Example Sentences

Before leaving this phase of inorganic chemistry, we may mention other historical examples of allotropy.

From Project Gutenberg

This would be quite in accordance with the chemical notion of allotropy.

From Project Gutenberg

Allotropy has turned the eyes of many back to the remoter past.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus carbon occurs as the diamond, and as charcoal and plumbago, and is therefore regarded as a substance subject to allotropy.

From Project Gutenberg

The term allotropy (from , of a different nature) was first used by the renowned chemist Berzelius.

From Project Gutenberg