allomorphism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “allomorphism” mean?
The property of a chemical compound to exist in different crystalline forms while maintaining the same chemical composition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property of a chemical compound to exist in different crystalline forms while maintaining the same chemical composition.
In linguistics, the occurrence of different forms of a morpheme in different environments (a type of allomorphy). In broader scientific contexts, any phenomenon where the same substance or entity can appear in multiple distinct structural forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English. Both varieties use it exclusively in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, limited to specialized scientific papers and advanced textbooks.
Grammar
How to Use “allomorphism” in a Sentence
The allomorphism of [substance] was studied.Allomorphism occurs in [context].Researchers investigated the allomorphism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allomorphism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The compound can allomorphise under different temperature conditions.
- Researchers attempted to allomorphise the substance in the lab.
American English
- The compound can allomorphize under different temperature conditions.
- Researchers attempted to allomorphize the substance in the lab.
adverb
British English
- The crystals changed allomorphically.
- The substance behaved allomorphically under pressure.
American English
- The crystals changed allomorphically.
- The substance behaved allomorphically under pressure.
adjective
British English
- The allomorphic properties were analysed.
- An allomorphic transformation was observed.
American English
- The allomorphic properties were analyzed.
- An allomorphic transformation was observed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in business contexts.
Academic
Used in chemistry, materials science, and linguistics research papers and advanced courses.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in crystallography and materials science; specialized term in linguistic morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allomorphism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allomorphism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allomorphism”
- Misspelling as 'allomorphisim' or 'alomorfism'.
- Confusing with 'isomorphism' (same structure) or 'homeomorphism' (topological equivalence).
- Using in non-scientific contexts where 'variation' or 'different forms' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In chemistry, they are often synonyms. Some texts use 'polymorphism' more broadly for any multiple forms, and 'allomorphism' specifically for crystalline forms of the same compound.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term with very low frequency even in academic writing.
Rarely. Biology more commonly uses 'polymorphism' for genetic variation or 'pleomorphism' for cells of varying forms.
Allomorphism is sometimes used interchangeably with allomorphy, though some linguists reserve 'allomorphy' for the phenomenon and 'allomorphism' for a specific instance or the study thereof.
The property of a chemical compound to exist in different crystalline forms while maintaining the same chemical composition.
Allomorphism is usually technical/scientific in register.
Allomorphism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæləʊˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæloʊˈmɔːrfɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ALL different MORPHs' – allomorphism describes when something can take ALL different MORPHs (forms) while staying the same substance.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chameleon of structure – same essence, different appearances.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'allomorphism' LEAST likely to be used?