allotropy

æˈlɒtrəpi

Definitions

1. noun

The property of an element to exist in two or more different forms, which may have different physical and chemical properties, often depending on the conditions of the environment.

“The allotropy of carbon is a fascinating phenomenon, as it can exist as diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.”

Synonyms

  • allotropic variation
  • polymorphism

Antonyms

  • monomorphism