allotropy

allotropism

 [ah-lot´ro-pizm]

existence of an element in two or more distinct forms, sometimes with different physical properties.

al·lot·ro·pism

, allotropy (ă-lot'rō-pizm, -lot'rō-pē),

The capacity of of certain elements to exist in various forms that differ in physical properties; for example, carbon black, graphite, fullerenes, and diamonds are all pure carbon.

[allo- + G. tropos, a turning]

allotropy

The presence of ≥ 2 structural forms of a substance (e.g., carbon) with distinct physical properties (diamonds, coal).

al·lot·ro·pism

, allotropy (ă-lot'rō-pizm, -lot'rō-pē)

The existence of certain elements, in several forms differing in physical properties; e.g., carbon black, graphite, and diamonds are all pure carbon.

[allo- + G. tropos, a turning]