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Isomer: meaning, definitions and examples

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isomer

 

[ ˈaɪ.sə.mər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

An isomer is one of two or more compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas, resulting in different chemical and physical properties.

Synonyms

geometric isomer, stereoisomer, structural isomer

Examples of usage

  • The two isomers of butane have different boiling points.
  • Isomers can have different reactivities due to their different structures.
  • Structural isomers have the same atoms but arranged in different orders.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

In biology, isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms, leading to different biological activities.

Synonyms

diastereomer, enantiomer, optical isomer

Examples of usage

  • The cis and trans isomers of a molecule can have different effects in the body.
  • Optical isomers are mirror images of each other but can have different biological functions.

Translations

Translations of the word "isomer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 isómero

🇮🇳 समावयव

🇩🇪 Isomer

🇮🇩 isomer

🇺🇦 ізомер

🇵🇱 izomer

🇯🇵 異性体 (いせいたい)

🇫🇷 isomère

🇪🇸 isómero

🇹🇷 izomer

🇰🇷 이성체 (異性體)

🇸🇦 متصاوغ

🇨🇿 izomer

🇸🇰 izomér

🇨🇳 异构体 (yìgòutǐ)

🇸🇮 izomer

🇮🇸 ísómer

🇰🇿 изомер

🇬🇪 იზომერი

🇦🇿 izomer

🇲🇽 isómero

Word origin

The term 'isomer' was coined by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1830. It is derived from the Greek roots 'isos' (equal) and 'meros' (part), reflecting the equal parts of isomers having the same atomic composition. The concept of isomerism has been fundamental in the fields of chemistry and biology, leading to a deeper understanding of molecular structures and their properties.

See also: stereoisomer.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,708, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.