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.

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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

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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

Such a change—whether considered from the point of view of the periodic law or of the radioactive theory would involve many interesting consequences.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by Joly, John

So very soon the periodic law took its place as one of the most important generalizations of chemical science.

From A History of Science — Volume 4 by Williams, Henry Smith

They do not follow the constant periodic law, and they are not true harmonic sine functions of the time.

From Scientific American Supplement No. 822, October 3, 1891 by Various