chirality
/ (kaɪˈrælɪtɪ) /
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, adjectiveWord 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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