chiral

[ kahy-ruhl ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. (of a molecule) not superimposable on its mirror image.

Other Words From

• chi·ral·i·ty [kahy-, ral, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiral¹

1894; chir- < Greek cheír hand + -al ¹; coined by Lord Kelvin

Example Sentences

Our tissues and organs are programmed for a chiral world—that is, one in which the object in question can’t be superimposed on its mirror image, even if it’s rotated.

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