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

The modern statement of this relationship, the periodic law, is as follows: the properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

In 1905, Zuckerman notes, a Nobel committee ruled against Russian Chemist Dimitri Mendeleev, nominated for his formulation of the periodic law and the table of elements.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the periodic law was first formulated there were a number of vacant places in the table which evidently belonged to elements at that time unknown.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Now it is to the curvilinear motions of the heavenly bodies that we must ascribe our subjection to the periodic law.

From Essays Towards a Theory of Knowledge by Philip, Alexander

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 Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various