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.

1847, back-formation from allotropy "variation of physical properties without change of substance," from allo- + -tropy "manner" (see -trope). Related: Allotropic.

one of several forms of a chemical element. Not all elements have allotropes.

The term allotrope refers to one or more forms of an elementary substance.Examples: Graphite and diamond are both allotropes of carbon. O2 and ozone, O3, are allotropes of oxygen.Return to the Chemist [..]

  Element with more than one natural form.

Allotropes are elements that can exist in different forms of the same state (gas, liquid, or solid). The allotropes of the element will have different physical properties.

(n) a structurally different form of an element

Two or more forms of the same element in the same physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) that differ from each other in their physical, and sometimes chemical properties. The term allotropy applies to [..]

<chemistry> Any individual structural form of an element which comes in at least two different structural types. (09 Oct 1997)