chirality

/ (kaɪˈrælɪtɪ) /

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noun

the configuration or handedness (left or right) of an asymmetric, optically active chemical compoundAlso called: dissymmetry

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Derived forms of chirality

chiral, adjective

Word Origin for chirality

C19: from Greek kheir hand + -al 1 + -ity

Words nearby chirality

chip wagon, Chiquita, chir-, Chirac, chiral, chirality, Chirchik, Chi-Rho, Chiricahua, Chirico, chirimoya

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Scientific definitions for chirality

chirality

[ kī-răl′ĭ-tē ]

The characteristic of a structure (usually a molecule) that makes it impossible to superimpose it on its mirror image. Also called handedness See also helicity invariance optical isomer.