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Glite Dictionary
allotropism

allotropism

9.9
A chemical element that exists in two or more different forms with different arrangements and properties
  • noun
  • /ˌæl.əˈtroʊ.pɪ.zəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alotropismo
  • Carbon exhibits allotropism in forms like diamond and graphite.

Examples

  • Researchers study allotropism to understand the different properties of materials formed by the same element.

  • Modern chemistry textbooks often discuss allotropism when teaching about elements like sulfur and oxygen.

  • Allotropism explains why carbon can exist as both graphite and diamond.

  • Did you know that sulfur shows allotropism?

  • Allotropism explains why carbon can exist as both graphite and diamond.

  • Modern chemistry textbooks often discuss allotropism when teaching about elements like sulfur and oxygen.

  • Researchers study allotropism to understand the different properties of materials formed by the same element.

Synonyms

allotropy
vsallotropism
  • Specialized
9.9

A case when an element exists in two or more different physical forms

is the same meaning but appears as a different form or spelling
polymorphy
vsallotropism
  • Specialized
9.9

A substance that can exist in two or more solid forms with different properties

applies to elements rather than to substances or compounds
polymorphism
vsallotropism
  • Specialized
9.4

When a substance makes different crystal shapes under different conditions

is used for elements rather than different crystal forms of compounds
pleomorphism
vsallotropism
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical substance that can form different crystal shapes

is specific to elements rather than to compounds

Surface Forms

allotropism singular
allotropisms plural

Morphology

allotropism = allotrope (transparent) = allotrope + ism

Derived by adding the productive noun-forming suffix '-ism' to the scientific noun 'allotrope', so the meaning refers directly to the phenomenon of allotropes.

Etymology

Allotropism comes from the Greek parts allo- meaning 'other' and -tropism meaning 'turn' or 'form', as in phototropism when a plant turns toward light. So, allotropism is an element's ability to take 'other forms', which is why carbon can be both diamond and graphite.