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more about allotropism
allotropism |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Allotropism \Al*lot"ro*pism\, Allotropy \Al*lot"ro*py\, n. [Gr. ? other + direction, way ? to turn: cf F. allotropie.] (Chem.) The property of existing in two or more conditions which are distinct in their physical or chemical relations. Note: 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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: allotropism n : the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms [syn: {allotropy}]
more about allotropism