Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

isosteric

Adjective

ˌaɪsəˈstɛrɪk

Definition

Relating to or involving isosteres, which are molecules or ions that have similar shapes and properties.

Examples

The isosteric substitution of one atom for another can significantly affect molecular properties.
During drug design, scientists often consider isosteric replacements to improve biological activity.

Meaning

Isosteric typically refers to the concept in chemistry where two compounds have a similar size, shape, and electronic distribution, leading to similar chemical behavior despite having different elements or structures.