Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

periodic law

noun

Definition of periodic law

: a law in chemistry: the elements when arranged in the order of their atomic numbers show a periodic variation of atomic structure and of most of their properties

First Known Use of periodic law

1872

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

periodic law

noun

medical Definition of periodic law

: a law in chemistry: the elements when arranged in the order of their atomic numbers show a periodic variation of atomic structure and of most of their properties — called also Mendeleev's law

Learn More about periodic law

  1. See words that rhyme with periodic law Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about periodic law

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up periodic law? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

balmy

play

soothing, mild, or foolish

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

periodic law

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games