Thesaurus: allotropism

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1. n. Alt. of Allotropy
2. n. the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms
3. 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.
4. n the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms