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
Numerous other therapies now in clinical trials also use radioactive lutetium and other beta-emitting isotopes.
—
Discover Magazine, 8 July 2024
These lines of evidence include proximity of a water body to septic tanks and/or leaky sewer lines, the presence of sucralose (artificial sweeteners that don’t break down), the presence of pharmaceuticals and — probably most importantly — stable isotope analysis coupled with DNA testing.
—Nicole Kirchhoff, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024
In another recent study, Penn State professor Chris House and colleagues found suspiciously lightweight carbon isotopes in samples of organic material from Gale Crater, where Perseverance’s older sibling Curiosity is still exploring.
—Robin Wordsworth, Scientific American, 26 June 2024
The isotopes analyzed were mostly from young goats and pigs.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for isotope 
Discover Magazine, 8 July 2024
These lines of evidence include proximity of a water body to septic tanks and/or leaky sewer lines, the presence of sucralose (artificial sweeteners that don’t break down), the presence of pharmaceuticals and — probably most importantly — stable isotope analysis coupled with DNA testing.
—Nicole Kirchhoff, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024
In another recent study, Penn State professor Chris House and colleagues found suspiciously lightweight carbon isotopes in samples of organic material from Gale Crater, where Perseverance’s older sibling Curiosity is still exploring.
—Robin Wordsworth, Scientific American, 26 June 2024
The isotopes analyzed were mostly from young goats and pigs.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 July 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 27 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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