stereoisomerism

[ ster-ee-oh-ahy-som-uh-riz-uhm, steer- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the isomerism ascribed to different relative positions of the atoms or groups of atoms in the molecules of organic compounds.

stereoisomerism

/ ˌstɪər-; ˌstɪər-; ˌstɛrɪəʊaɪˈsɒməˌrɪzəm; ˌstɛrɪəʊˌaɪsəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. chem isomerism caused by differences in the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules

Derived Forms

• stereoisometric, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stereoisomerism¹

First recorded in 1890–95; stereo- + isomerism