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
The scientists used multiple methods, including radiocarbon dating, CT scans, and stable isotope analysis, to reach their conclusion.
—
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
One such alternative is stable isotope analysis, which has been used in marine ecology since the late 1980s.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The magic in this battery is the material carbon-14, a radioactive isotope that emits beta particles.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Previous research has found evidence of an influx of the radioactive isotope iron-60 in cosmic dust collected from the Antarctic snow and from the surface of the moon, which can only be attributed to interstellar sources like supernovae.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for isotope
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
One such alternative is stable isotope analysis, which has been used in marine ecology since the late 1980s.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The magic in this battery is the material carbon-14, a radioactive isotope that emits beta particles.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Previous research has found evidence of an influx of the radioactive isotope iron-60 in cosmic dust collected from the Antarctic snow and from the surface of the moon, which can only be attributed to interstellar sources like supernovae.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for isotope
Cite this Entry
“Isotope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotope. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share