a structurally different form of an element; "graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon"

a different physical form of the same element, e

A different physical form of the same element due to different arrangement of atoms.

Different bonding arrangements allowing for different forms of matter to be made from a single type of atom. Different forms of matter made in this way are called allotropes. For example, ozone (O3) and dioxygen (O2) are allotropes of the element oxygen. Also, diamond, buckyball, and graphite are allotropes of carbon.

allotropy; allotropic; allotropism. Compare with isotope and polymorph. Some elements occur in several distinct forms called allotropes. Allotropes have different chemical and physical properties. For example, graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon.

One of several possible forms of a substance. Ozone [O3] is a triatomic allotrope of oxygen (O2).