allelotropism
|al-le-lo-tro-pism|
C2
/ˌælɪˈlɒtrəˌpɪzəm/
different forms of an element
Etymology
Etymology Information
'allelotropism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'allēlōtropos,' where 'allēlōn' meant 'one another' and 'tropos' meant 'turn, way.'
Historical Evolution
'allēlōtropos' transformed into the scientific term 'allelotropism' in modern English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'different forms of the same element,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the phenomenon where a single chemical element exists in two or more different forms, in the same physical state, with different physical properties.
Carbon exhibits allelotropism as it can exist as both graphite and diamond.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/26 00:36