optical activity
noun Physical Chemistry.
the ability of a substance to rotate the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light.
Nearby words
optic thalamus, optic tract, optic vesicle, optical, optical aberration, optical activity, optical allachesthesia, optical art, optical astronomy, optical bench, optical binary
Origin of optical activity
First recorded in 1875–80
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for optical activity
optical activity
noun
the ability of substances that are optical isomers to rotate the plane of polarization of a transmitted beam of plane-polarized light
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for optical activity
optical activity
n.
The property of an asymmetrical molecule in solution to rotate the plane of polarized light either clockwise or counterclockwise.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.