allotropy

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: al=lot=ro=py

CIDE DICTIONARY

allotropy, n. [Gr. other + direction, way, to turn: cf. F. allotropie.].

 The property of existing in two or more conditions which are distinct in their physical or chemical relations.  [1913 Webster]
" Thus, carbon occurs crystallized in octahedrons and other related forms, in a state of extreme hardness, in the diamond; it occurs in hexagonal forms, and of little hardness, in black lead; and again occurs in a third form, with entire softness, in lampblack and charcoal. In some cases, one of these is peculiarly an active state, and the other a passive one. Thus, ozone is an active state of oxygen, and is distinct from ordinary oxygen, which is the element in its passive state."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

allotropy, n. the existence of two or more different physical forms of a chemical element.

Derivative

allotropic adj. allotropical adj.

Etymology

Gk allotropos of another form f. allos different + tropos manner f. trepo to turn

THESAURUS

allotropy

Proteus, allotropism, diversification, diversity, her infinite variety, heterogeneity, heteromorphism, manifoldness, multifariousness, multiplicity, nonuniformity, omnifariousness, omniformity, polymorphism, shapeshifter, variation, variegation, variety