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Definitions from the Web

Isotope

A noun referring to each of two or more forms of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in the nucleus.

Senses:

Sense 1:

A popular term for radioactive forms of an element.

Example sentences:

1. The isotope carbon-14 is commonly used for carbon dating in archaeology.
2. Radioactive isotopes are utilized in medical imaging techniques such as PET scans.

Sense 2:

A local term used in a specific scientific field referring to various distinct atomic variations of an element.

Example sentences:

1. In nuclear physics, different isotope ratios can have a significant impact on the stability of an atomic nucleus.
2. The study of stable isotopes in geochemistry helps in understanding the origins and history of minerals and rocks.