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Webster 1913 Edition
Allotropy
{
Al-lot′ro-pism
,Al-lot′ro-py
, }Noun.
[Gr. [GREEK] other + direction, way, [GREEK] to turn: cf. F.
allotropie
.] (Chem.)
The property of existing in two or more conditions which are distinct in their physical or chemical relations.
☞ 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.