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Webster 1913 Edition


Allotropy

{

Al-lot′ro-pism

,

Al-lot′ro-py

, }
Noun.
[Gr. [GREEK] other + direction, way, [GREEK] to turn: cf. F.
allotropie
.]
(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.

Definition 2024


allotropy

allotropy

English

Noun

allotropy (plural allotropies)

  1. (chemistry) A property, exhibited by some elements of existing in multiple forms with different atomic structures.

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