allotropism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms
    allotropy.

WordNet


Al*lot"ro*pism, Al*lot"ro*py noun (Also<
  • Allotropism
  • Allotropy
)
Etymology
Gr. other + direction, way, to turn: cf. F. allotropie.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) The property of existing in two or more conditions which are distinct in their physical or chemical relations. ✍ Thus, carbon occurs crystallized in octahedrons and other related forms, in a state of extreme hardness, in the diamond; it occurs in hexagonal forms, and of little hardness, in black lead; and again occurs in a third form, with entire softness, in lampblack and charcoal. In some cases, one of these is peculiarly an active state, and the other a passive one. Thus, ozone is an active state of oxygen, and is distinct from ordinary oxygen, which is the element in its passive state.

Webster 1913