Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the same or similar crystalline form: In chemistry and mineralogy, describes substances that crystallize in the same form despite having different chemical compositions.
   • Having a similar structure or form: More broadly, it can describe things that are alike in shape or structure.
   • Being isomorphic: In mathematics, it describes a one-to-one correspondence that preserves structure between two mathematical sets or systems.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Calcite and aragonite are isomorphous minerals; they share the same crystal shape but have different chemical formulas.
  • The two software programs have an isomorphous architecture, making them easy to learn in tandem.
  • In abstract algebra, these two groups are isomorphous, meaning their structures are essentially the same.

Advanced Usage

• "Isomorphous replacement": A technique in X-ray crystallography used to determine the structure of molecules.
  • Scientists used isomorphous replacement to solve the protein's three-dimensional structure.
• "Isomorphous series": A series of compounds that have similar crystalline forms.
  • The plagioclase feldspars form an isomorphous series between albite and anorthite.

Variants and Related Words

• Isomorphism (n): The condition of being isomorphous; a one-to-one structure-preserving mapping.
  • The isomorphism between the two graphs was proven.
• Isomorphic (adj): A more common variant with the same meaning as "isomorphous".
  • The two networks are isomorphic.

Synonyms

• Isostructural: Having an identical or very similar crystal structure.
• Congruent: Coinciding exactly when superimposed; often used in geometry.
• Analogous: Similar or comparable in certain respects.

Antonyms

• Polymorphous: Having, assuming, or occurring in various forms, shapes, or crystals.
• Heteromorphous: Differing in form or structure.

Related Phrases

• "Exhibit isomorphism": To display a shared form or structure.
  • These chemical compounds exhibit isomorphism.
• "Form an isomorphous pair": To be two substances that crystallize similarly.
  • Potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate form an isomorphous pair.

Adjective

1. having similar appearance but genetically different