isotope

1 of 2

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

isotopic

ˌī-sə-ˈtä-pik  -ˈtō- 

adjective

isotopically

ˌī-sə-ˈtä-pi-k(ə-)lē  -ˈtō- 

adverb

isotopic

2 of 2

adjective

iso·​topic

-¦tōp-

: of, relating to, or having the relationship of an isotope

isotopically

-pə̇k(ə)lē 

adverb

Examples of isotope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Interlune’s system cools the gas down to near absolute zero, using cryogenic distillation to fractionate the two isotopes. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Future stable isotope examinations could also better contextualize the family’s nutritional issues. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026

In a recent study of three sympatric stingray species along a heterogeneous coastal system in northeastern Brazil, researchers examined zinc isotopes in muscle tissue alongside carbon and nitrogen isotopes. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Instead of using heavy elements like uranium, BOHR runs on the natural beta decay of tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. — David Szondy july 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

is- + Greek topos place

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary isotope + -ic

First Known Use

Noun

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for isotope

• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope
• envelope
• epitope
• gyroscope
• horoscope
• microscope
• misanthrope
• pericope

Kids 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

isotopic

ˌī-sə-ˈtäp-ik 

-ˈtō-pik

adjective

isotopically

-ˈtäp-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈtō-pi-

adverb

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

isotopic

ˌī-sə-ˈtäp-ik  -ˈtō-pik 

adjective

isotopically

-ˈtäp-i-k(ə-)lē  -ˈtō-pi- 

adverb

isotopy

ˈī-sə-ˌtō-pē  ī-ˈsät-ə-pē 

noun

plural isotopies