Find the word definition

Crossword clues for allotropism

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Allotropism

Allotropism \Al*lot"ro*pism\, Allotropy \Al*lot"ro*py\, n. [Gr. ? other + direction, way, ? to turn: cf. F. allotropie.] (Chem.) The property of existing in two or more conditions which are distinct in their physical or chemical relations.

Note: 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.

Wiktionary
allotropism

n. (context chemistry English) The ability (of an element) to exist in more than one physical form without change of state.

WordNet
allotropism

n. the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms [syn: allotropy]

Usage examples of "allotropism".

According to project directors Bradley McAfee and Lynn Saunders, nonutilizable hydrocarbonaceous substances will be propulsively transferred to stratospheric altitudinal locations, where photochemical decomposition will result in triatomic allotropism and formation of benign bicarbonaceous precipitates.

It is easy to call these changes by the name allotropism, but not the less do they confound our hasty generalizations.

These facts of allotropism have some corollaries connected with them rather startling to us of the nineteenth century.

Perhaps they have not studied the mystery of allotropism in the emotions of the human heart.

It is easy to call these changes by the name allotropism, but not the less do they confound our hasty generalizations.

These facts of allotropism have some corollaries connected with them rather startling to us of the nineteenth century.

Perhaps they have not studied the mystery of allotropism in the emotions of the human heart.