allotropy
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allotropy
, allotropism the existence of an element in two or more physical forms. The most common elements having this property are carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
allotropy
[ə′lä·trə·pē] (chemistry)
The assumption by an element of two or more different forms or structures which are most frequently stable in different temperature ranges, such as different crystalline forms of carbon as charcoal, graphite, or diamond. Also known as allotriomorphism; allotropism.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.