Allotropous

/əˈlɑt.rə.pəs/ adjective

Definition

Having the quality of allotropy; capable of existing in multiple physical forms.

Etymology

From Greek 'allo-' (other) and '-tropous' (from tropos, turning), literally meaning 'turning or changing other ways.' This is a less common variant of allotropic, developed in 19th-century chemistry terminology.

Kelly Says

The term allotropous is rarely used today because 'allotropic' became the standard, but it's a good reminder that scientists were literally trying to say 'this element turns into different forms' in Greek-based language.

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