isomorphic

adjective

iso·​mor·​phic ˌī-sə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce isomorphic (audio)
1
a
: being of identical or similar form, shape, or structure
isomorphic crystals
b
: having sporophytic and gametophytic generations alike in size and shape
2
: related by an isomorphism
isomorphic mathematical rings
isomorphically adverb

Examples of isomorphic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Here’s a simple example of two groups, each with two elements, that are isomorphic to each other. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 23 June 2023 In science, the word isomorphic is used to refer to things that share a common form or relationship. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2021 There are many different ways to construct the disjoint union using the axioms of set theory, which will not produce exactly the same set but will, necessarily, produce isomorphic ones. Emily Riehl, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2021 But with uniform accreditation processes leading to isomorphic results, meaningful differentiation among elite four-year institutions remains wishful thinking. Ryan Craig, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2021 Perhaps an even greater danger is the tendency to treat procedure as isomorphic with process. Dean Mobbs, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2019 This illustrates the common error of considering the basolateral amygdala as isomorphic with fear. Dean Mobbs, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2019 This limitation becomes problematic when mathematicians want to think about objects that are equivalent or isomorphic in some sense, if not necessarily equal in all respects. Quanta Magazine, 19 May 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of isomorphic was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near isomorphic

Cite this Entry

“Isomorphic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isomorphic. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

isomorphic

adjective
iso·​mor·​phic ˌī-sə-ˈmȯr-fik How to pronounce isomorphic (audio)
: being of identical or similar form or shape or structure
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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