isotope
noun
iso·tope
ˈī-sə-ˌtōp 
1
: any of two or more species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number and nearly identical chemical behavior but with differing atomic mass or mass number and different physical properties
2
: nuclide
Examples of isotope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, measurements of trace isotopes can reveal the composition of the ancient atmosphere, constrain the timing of key geological events and even tell us the temperatures at which minerals in sediments formed.
—
Robin Wordsworth, Scientific American, 26 June 2024
Where archaeologists once used spades, oral text and maps to guide them, modern techniques involve detailed satellite photography, digital imaging, 3D technology, isotope analysis, tomography, and mass spectrometry.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 June 2024
If China and Russia continue to refuse to engage in good-faith arms control talks, the United States should also resume production of uranium-235 and plutonium-239, the primary fissile isotopes of nuclear weapons.
—Robert C. O’Brien, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024
And intriguingly, this isotope signature was also discovered in a single grain of the mineral zircon, found in a rock retrieved from the Jack Hills range of Australia, dated at 4.1 billion years old.
—Big Think, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for isotope 
Robin Wordsworth, Scientific American, 26 June 2024
Where archaeologists once used spades, oral text and maps to guide them, modern techniques involve detailed satellite photography, digital imaging, 3D technology, isotope analysis, tomography, and mass spectrometry.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 June 2024
If China and Russia continue to refuse to engage in good-faith arms control talks, the United States should also resume production of uranium-235 and plutonium-239, the primary fissile isotopes of nuclear weapons.
—Robert C. O’Brien, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024
And intriguingly, this isotope signature was also discovered in a single grain of the mineral zircon, found in a rock retrieved from the Jack Hills range of Australia, dated at 4.1 billion years old.
—Big Think, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for isotope
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isotope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near isotope
Cite this Entry
“Isotope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotope. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
isotope
noun
iso·tope
ˈī-sə-ˌtōp
: any of the forms of an element that differ in the number of neutrons in an atom
Medical Definition
isotope
noun
iso·tope
ˈī-sə-ˌtōp
1
: any of two or more species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number and position in the periodic table and nearly identical chemical behavior but with differing atomic mass or mass number and different physical properties
2
: nuclide
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