periodic law

[ peer-ee-od-ik, peer- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the law that the properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.
2. Also called Mendeleev's law. (originally) the statement that the chemical and physical properties of the elements recur periodically when the elements are arranged in the order of their atomic weights.

periodic law

/ ˌpɪərɪˈɒdɪk /

noun

1. Also calledMendeleev's law the principle that the chemical properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic weights or, more accurately, of their atomic numbers

Word History and Origins

Origin of periodic law¹

First recorded in 1870–75