[peer-ee-od-ik, peer-] 
| 1. | the law that the properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers. |
| 2. | Also called Mendeleev's law. (originally) the statement that the chemical and physical properties of the elements recur periodically when the elements are arranged in the order of their atomic weights. |
| pe·ri·od·ic law (pĭr'ē-ŏd'ĭk) n. Chemistry The principle that the properties of the elements recur periodically as their atomic numbers increase. |
periodic law n.
The principle that properties of elements recur periodically as atomic numbers increase.