monotropy
/məˈnɒtrəpi
/noun [mass noun] Chemistry
The existence of allotropes of an element, one of which is stable and the others metastable under all known conditions.
Derivatives
monotrope
- They have recently shown that two monotropes, Sarcodes sanguinea and Pterospora andromedea behave in this way in vitro.
- Results from orchids, monotropes, and Suilloid fungi suggest that the cost of specialization is reduced by producing propagules that lie dormant until they encounter the correct host.
- Thus, the question remains, is fungal stimulation by the monotropes simply another example of parasite manipulation of the host?
Origin
Early 20th century: from mono- 'one' + Greek tropē 'turning' + -y3.