Defn: A doctrine or theory; especially, a wild or visionary theory.
E. Everett.
The world grew light-headed, and forth came a spawn of isms which no
man can number. S. G. Goodrich.
ISMAELIAN; ISMAELITE
Is`ma*e"li*an, Is"ma*el*ite, n. (Eccl.)
Defn: One of a sect of Mohammedans who favored the pretensions of the family of Mohammed ben Ismael, of the house Ali.
ISO-; IS-
I"so-, Is-.Etym: [Gr. 'i`sos equal.]
Defn: A prefix or combining form, indicating identity, or equality; the same numerical value; as in isopod, isomorphous, isochromatic. Specif.: (a) (Chem.) Applied to certain compounds having the same composition but different properties; as in isocyanic. (b) (Organic Chem.) Applied to compounds of certain isomeric series in whose structure one carbon atom, at least, is connected with three other carbon atoms; — contrasted with neo- and normal; as in isoparaffine; isopentane.
ISOBAR
I"so*bar, n. Etym: [Iso- + Gr. (Phys. Geog.)
Defn: A line connecting or marking places upon the surface of the earth where height of the barometer reduced to sea level is the same either at a given time, or for a certain period (mean height), as for a year; an isopiestic line. [Written also isobare.]
ISOBAR
I"so*bar, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being equal in weight, especially in atmospheric pressure. Also, the theory, method, or application of isobaric science.
ISOBARIC
I`so*bar"ic, a. (Phys. Geog.)