allotropic

American  

[al-uh-trop-ik, -troh-pik] / ˌæl əˈtrɒp ɪk, -ˈtroʊ pɪk /

Also allotropical

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by allotropy.

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Other Word Forms

• allotropically adverb
• allotropicity noun

Etymology

Origin of allotropic

First recorded in 1875–80; allotrop(y) + -ic

Example Sentences

Phosphorus is the only member of its group that does not occur in the uncombined state in nature; it exists in many allotropic forms.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

"For the creation of quantum mechanics, the application of which has, inter alia, led to the discovery of the allotropic forms of hydrogen."

From US News • Oct. 10, 2014

A symphony and a poem may be allotropic forms of the same matter: to use a common simile, there is red phosphorus and there is yellow, but both are phosphorus.

From A Novelist on Novels by George, Walter Lionel

This element exists in several allotropic forms, which have very different electric properties.

From On Laboratory Arts by Threlfall, Richard

In 1845, Schrotter of Vienna discovered amorphous or allotropic phosphorus, which rendered the manufacture of matches less dangerous to health and property.

From Inventions in the Century by Doolittle, William Henry