periodic law

American  

[peer-ee-od-ik, peer-] / ˈpɪər iˈɒd ɪk, ˌpɪər- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. the law that the properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.

2. Also called Mendeleev's law.  (originally) the statement that the chemical and physical properties of the elements recur periodically when the elements are arranged in the order of their atomic weights.

---

periodic law British  

/ ˌpɪərɪˈɒdɪk /

noun

1. Also called: Mendeleev's law.  the principle that the chemical properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic weights or, more accurately, of their atomic numbers

---

Etymology

Origin of periodic law

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

It could be that even relativity fits a pattern—“a further testament,” he writes, “to the underlying fundamental nature of the periodic law.”

From The New Yorker

The British chemist William Odling discovered the “periodic law” — properties of a family of elements that repeat, approximately, at regular intervals.

From New York Times

Nineteen years ago, the British government passed one of its periodic laws to manage how people move through the countryside.

From The New Yorker

Fish and Game will also be required to provide periodic law enforcement services on the endowment land and enforce any rules and regulations implemented by the state Department of Land as part of the agreement.

From Washington Times

The structure of the molecule, which mainly followed investigations in organic compounds, Frankland’s conception of valency, and finally the periodic law, have also been shown in their chronological order.

From Project Gutenberg