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
Similar to how tree rings reveal climatic conditions of years past, from a core of ice scientists can discern annual variations in snow and ice, and oxygen isotopes contained in air bubbles can be used as a temperature indicator.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
The ratio of different isotopes preserved in teeth can shine a light on a person's sources of food and water, which vary in isotopic composition from place to place.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
The industry is likely to see significant advancements in radiochemistry, particularly in the production and handling of isotopes.
—Stephen Belcher, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
With a single gram of hydrogen isotopes yielding the energy equivalent of 11 tonnes of coal, a practical fusion reactor would hold the promise of unlimited, clean energy for humanity until the end of time.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 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.
Katie Hunt, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
The ratio of different isotopes preserved in teeth can shine a light on a person's sources of food and water, which vary in isotopic composition from place to place.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
The industry is likely to see significant advancements in radiochemistry, particularly in the production and handling of isotopes.
—Stephen Belcher, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
With a single gram of hydrogen isotopes yielding the energy equivalent of 11 tonnes of coal, a practical fusion reactor would hold the promise of unlimited, clean energy for humanity until the end of time.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 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 23 Mar. 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