noun. Allotropical variation; allotropy.

noun. The occurrence of more than one form of a chemical element with difference in physical properties is explained, in the light of the atomic theory, as depending on a difference in the number, and possibly in the arrangement, of the atoms which go to make up the molecule. Thus it is believed that in the more common form of oxygen there are two, but in the allotropic ozone three, atoms to the molecule.

noun. The property of existing in two or more conditions which are distinct in their physical or chemical relations.

noun. The ability (of an element) to exist in more than one physical form without change of state.

noun. the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms

"It is easy to call these changes by the name allotropism, but not the less do they confound our hasty generalizations."

allotropy  

allotrope  allotropic  allotropical  allotropous  allotropy  

chemical phenomenon