allotropy

or al·lot·ro·pism

[ uh-lo-truh-pee ]

/ əˈlɒ trə pi /

Save This Word!

noun Chemistry.

a property of certain elements, as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, of existing in two or more distinct forms; allomorphism.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of allotropy

First recorded in 1840–50; allo- + -tropy

Words nearby allotropy

allotransplant, allotriomorphic, allotrope, allotropic, allotropous, allotropy, all' ottava, allotted, allottee, allotype, all-out

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use allotropy in a sentence

Before leaving this phase of inorganic chemistry, we may mention other historical examples of allotropy.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1|Various
This would be quite in accordance with the chemical notion of allotropy.
The Making of Species|Douglas Dewar
Allotropy has turned the eyes of many back to the remoter past.
Jewel Mysteries|Max Pemberton
Thus carbon occurs as the diamond, and as charcoal and plumbago, and is therefore regarded as a substance subject to allotropy.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 1|Various

The term allotropy (from , of a different nature) was first used by the renowned chemist Berzelius.
The Boy's Playbook of Science|John Henry Pepper

British Dictionary definitions for allotropy

allotropy

allotropism

/ (əˈlɒtrəpɪ) /

noun

the existence of an element in two or more physical forms. The most common elements having this property are carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus

Derived forms of allotropy

allotropic (ˌæləˈtrɒpɪk), adjectiveallotropically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012