ISOTOPE


Meaning of ISOTOPE in English

/ ˈaɪsətəʊp; NAmE -toʊp/ noun

( physics , chemistry ) one of two or more forms of a chemical element which have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in their atoms. They have different physical properties (= characteristics) but the same chemical ones :

radioactive isotopes

the many isotopes of carbon

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WORD ORIGIN

1913: coined by F. Soddy, from iso- equal + Greek topos place (because the isotopes occupy the same place in the periodic table of elements).

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.