isotope

noun

iso·​tope ˈī-sə-ˌtōp How to pronounce isotope (audio)
1
: any of two or more species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number and nearly identical chemical behavior but with differing atomic mass or mass number and different physical properties
2
isotopic adjective

Examples of isotope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By studying carbon isotopes in both the older and younger layers of microbes, the geologists also noted a shift toward iron-dependent microorganisms in the oceans, per Scientific American. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 At the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, scientists produce new isotopes by accelerating stable isotopes to about half the speed of light and smashing them at a target. Artemis Spyrou, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 Testing components include using isotope ratio mass spectometry on samples from farms, gins, yarn spinners and manufacturing mills. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 11 Sep. 2024 This was a true game changer: No other isotope has a nuclear transition in the energy range of conventional lasers, which can deliver the energy to trigger the transition reliably and precisely. Quanta Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for isotope 

Word History

Etymology

is- + Greek topos place

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of isotope was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near isotope

Cite this Entry

“Isotope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotope. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

isotope

noun
iso·​tope ˈī-sə-ˌtōp How to pronounce isotope (audio)
: any of the forms of an element that differ in the number of neutrons in an atom
isotopic adjective
isotopically adverb

Medical Definition

isotope

noun
iso·​tope ˈī-sə-ˌtōp How to pronounce isotope (audio)
1
: any of two or more species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number and position in the periodic table and nearly identical chemical behavior but with differing atomic mass or mass number and different physical properties
2
isotopic adjective
isotopically adverb
isotopy noun
plural isotopies

More from Merriam-Webster on isotope

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