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

Claudetite and valentinite though crystallizing in different systems have the same cleavages and very nearly the same angles, and are strictly isomorphous.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

It is not isomorphous with the orthorhombic barium and strontium sulphates, as might be expected from the chemical formulae.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Part 1, Slice 1 by Various

If so, we are in possession of a novel method of spectral analysis, which permits us to distinguish in certain crystals bands belonging to different matters, isomorphous, but not having the same optical properties.

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

In all cases, the line which in a diamagnetic crystal set equatorially, always set itself in an isomorphous magnetic crystal axially.

From Faraday as a Discoverer by Tyndall, John

If a substance deposits itself on the faces of a crystal of another substance of similar crystal form, the substances are probably isomorphous.

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