optical isomerism

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noun Chemistry.

stereoisomerism in which the isomers are identical in molecular weight and most chemical and physical properties but differ in their effect on the rotation of polarized light.

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Compare dextrorotatory, levorotatory, racemism.

Origin of optical isomerism

First recorded in 1890–95

Words nearby optical isomerism

optical flint, optical glass, optical illusion, optical image, optical isomer, optical isomerism, optical mark reading, optical maser, optical microscope, optical mouse, optical path

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use optical isomerism in a sentence

Its 8-megapixel camera, inclusive of true-tone and dual-LED f/2.2 aperture flashes, features optical image stabilization.
Why Every Home Needs a Drone This Holiday|Charlie Gilbert|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Well, I had seen his first film, “Optical Illusions”, so I knew he was talented and had an original approach.
Image is Everything: An Interview with Alejandro Zambra|Juan Vidal|February 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One of the most essential optical principles is that of the 45-degree mirror.
Can You Paint Like Johannes Vermeer, Too?|Andrew Romano|December 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Warby Parker's reinvention of the high-priced optical industry relied on one main tactic: cutting out the middleman.
Warby Parker Thrives by Giving Away Glasses Whenever It Sells a Pair|Nina Strochlic|May 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Within a few years of this painting, Vuillard gave up on most of the goals of optical realism.
The Mirror Sometimes Lies|Blake Gopnik|July 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The burning atmosphere, the motionless air caused doubtless the optical illusion.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
She was possessed with the idea that there was but one person in San Francisco that day, no matter what the optical delusion.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Accordingly, a sort of optical conversation commenced between the two young people.
Overland|John William De Forest
The outlines of things under these rainbow-tinted undulations produced the chromatic effects of optical glasses made too convex.
Toilers of the Sea|Victor Hugo
But they had, or maybe it was optical illusion on my part, illusion fostered by mental unrest.
My Wonderful Visit|Charlie Chaplin

British Dictionary definitions for optical isomerism

optical isomerism

noun

isomerism of chemical compounds in which the two isomers differ only in that their molecules are mirror images of each otherSee also dextrorotation, laevorotatory, racemize

Derived forms of optical isomerism

optical isomer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for optical isomerism

optical isomerism

Stereoisomerism involving the arrangement of substituents about an asymmetric carbon atom or atoms so that the various isomers differ in how they rotate a plane of polarized light.