isomerism
[ ahy-som-uh-riz-uh m ]
/ aɪˈsɒm əˌrɪz əm /
noun
Chemistry.
the relation of two or more compounds, radicals, or ions that are composed of the same kinds and numbers of atoms but differ from each other in structural arrangement (structural isomerism), as CH3OCH3 and CH3CH2OH, or in the arrangement of their atoms in space and therefore in one or more properties.
Compare optical isomerism, stereoisomerism.
Also called nuclear isomerism. Physics.
the relation of two or more nuclides that have the same atomic number and mass number but different energy levels and half-lives.
Chemistry, Physics.
the phenomenon characterized by such a relation.
the state or condition of being isomerous.
Origin of isomerism
First recorded in 1830–40;
isomer(ic) +
-ism
Words nearby isomerism
isomagnetic,
isomaltose,
isomer,
isomerase,
isomeric,
isomerism,
isomerization,
isomerize,
isomerous,
isomers,
isometric
Example sentences from the Web for isomerism
British Dictionary definitions for isomerism
isomerism
/ (aɪˈsɒməˌrɪzəm) /
noun
the existence of two or more compounds having the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms within the molecule
See also stereoisomerism, optical isomerism
the existence of two or more nuclides having the same atomic numbers and mass numbers but different energy states
Medical definitions for isomerism
isomerism
[ ī-sŏm′ə-rĭz′əm ]
n.
The phenomenon of the existence of isomers.
The complex of chemical and physical phenomena characteristic of or attributable to isomers.
The state or condition of being an isomer.