isomer
Americannoun
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Chemistry. a compound displaying isomerism with one or more other compounds.
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Also called nuclear isomer. Physics. a nuclide that exhibits isomerism with one or more other nuclides.
noun
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chem a compound that exhibits isomerism with one or more other compounds
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physics a nuclide that exhibits isomerism with one or more other nuclides
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Chemistry Any of two or more substances that have the same molecular formula but differ in their connectivity or spatial arrangement of atoms, or in their topology in macromolecules.
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Physics Any of two or more nuclei with the same mass number and atomic number that have different radioactive properties and can exist in any of several energy states for a measurable period of time.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of isomer
First recorded in 1865–70; back formation from isomeric
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Vocabulary lists containing isomer
Chemistry - High School
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Organic Chemistry
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Nuclear Processes
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Optical isomers are very important in organic and biochemistry because living systems often incorporate one specific optical isomer and not the other.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
Isooctane is the common name of the isomer of C8H18 used as the standard of 100 for the gasoline octane rating:
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
The other isomer, the trans configuration, has the two chloride ligands directly across from one another.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
Only one isomer will fit into opioid receptors in cells.
From Nature • May 16, 2017
The highest, the mammals, adhere to this diet for a considerable time; they live by the maternal milk, rich in casein, another isomer of albumen.
From Social Life in the Insect World by Miall, Bernard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.