isomorphous, a.
(aɪsəʊˈmɔːfəs)
[f. as isomorph + -ous.]
1. Chem. and Min. Having the property of crystallizing in the same or closely related geometric forms: said esp. of two compounds or groups of compounds of different elements, but of analogous composition (cf. homœomorphous).
| 1828 in Webster citing Edin. Rev. 1837 Whewell Hist. Induct. Sc. (1857) III. 189 Various elements which are isomorphous to each other. 1841 J. Trimmer Pract. Geol. 83 The salts of arsenious acid are isomorphous with those of phosphoric acid. 1853 W. Gregory Inorg. Chem. (ed. 3) 41 We observe next, that chromic acid may be substituted for sulphuric acid, without change of form; in other words, these acids are isomorphous. 1871 Roscoe Elem. Chem. 197 Certain substances exhibiting a similarity in their chemical constitution are found to crystallize in the same forms,—these are said to be isomorphous. Ibid. 212 The salts of cæsium and rubidium are isomorphous with the corresponding potassium compounds. 1880 E. Cleminshaw Wurtz' Atom. The. 59 For the form to remain unchanged in analogous compounds, the elements which replace each other must be mutually isomorphous. |
2. Math. = isomorphic 2.