Isotope ratio refers to the relative abundance of different isotopes in a given element or compound. Synonyms for isotope ratio include isotopic composition, isotopic abundance, and isotopic signature. These terms are often used in reference to the analysis of environmental samples, such as water or soil, where the isotopic composition can provide important information about the source and history of the sample. Isotopic ratios can also be used in dating techniques, such as radiocarbon dating, which relies on the ratios of carbon-14 and carbon-12 in a sample to determine its age. Understanding isotopic ratios is a fundamental aspect of many scientific fields, including geology, chemistry, and biology.