isotope

UK: ˈaɪ.sə.təʊp | US: ˈaɪ.sə.toʊp

Definition

  1. n. any of two or more forms of a chemical element with the same atomic number but different atomic masses

  2. n. (figuratively) a distinct variation of something with shared fundamental characteristics

Structure
iso <equal>tope <place>
Etymology

isotope = iso<equal> + tope<place>

  • iso (from Greek isos, meaning "equal")
  • tope (from Greek topos, meaning "place")

Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1913 by British chemist Frederick Soddy, isotope combines Greek iso- (equal) and -tope (place) to describe atoms of the same element (occupying the same "place" in the periodic table) but differing in atomic mass. The term reflects their shared chemical properties ("equal place") despite nuclear differences.

Examples

  1. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of the same element.

  2. Scientists use radioactive isotopes to trace metabolic processes.

  3. The isotope ratio revealed the artifact's age.

  4. Stable isotopes are non-radioactive and safe for medical use.

  5. This reactor produces rare isotopes for cancer treatment.