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Glite Dictionary
isomerism

isomerism

8.6
Compounds that have the same numbers of each atom but different arrangements, giving different properties
  • noun
  • /ˌaɪsəˈmɛrɪzəm/
  • Specialized
: isomerismo
  • In this article, we explain isomerism and how it results in compounds with the same molecular formula but different properties.

Examples

  • Understanding isomerism is crucial for chemists studying compounds with identical formulas that exhibit diverse behaviors.

  • The concept of isomerism illustrates how different arrangements of atoms create distinct substances with similar compositions.

  • In this article, we lay out the essential ingredients of nuclear isomerism and take a look at future possibilities.

    Academic text (2006)

Surface Forms

isomerism singular
isomerisms plural

Morphology

isomerism = isomer (transparent) = isomer + ism

Formed from the scientific noun 'isomer' with the productive suffix '-ism' denoting the phenomenon or study; the meaning follows directly.

Etymology

Isomerism comes from Greek parts iso- 'equal' and meros 'part'. So, imagine the same building blocks arranged in a different way — same parts but a different shape, which is why substances with the same formula can act very differently.