LEVOROTARY Meaning and
Definition
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Levorotary is an adjective used to describe the property of rotating polarized light to the left or counterclockwise direction. It is derived from the Latin word "levo" meaning "left" and "rotary" meaning "to rotate." In scientific terms, levorotary is often represented by the symbol "(-)".
Levorotary is a term primarily used in the field of optics and chemistry, as it pertains to chiral molecules. Chirality refers to the property of being non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like our hands. Chiral molecules have the ability to rotate plane-polarized light, and when a molecule rotates it to the left or counterclockwise direction, it is classified as levorotary.
In the study of optical activity, levorotary is the opposite of dextrorotary, which describes the rotation of polarized light to the right or clockwise direction. Levorotary and dextrorotary are important characteristics of chiral molecules because they help in identifying the enantiomers, which are mirror image isomers that cannot be superimposed.
Levorotary substances are often found in nature, particularly in certain types of sugars and amino acids. They are commonly used in pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and flavorings. In addition, levorotary compounds are frequently utilized in laboratory experiments, where the rotation of polarized light is measured to determine the identity and concentration of chiral molecules present in a solution.
Overall, levorotary refers to the property of rotating light to the left or counterclockwise direction and is a significant concept in the study of chiral molecules and their applications in various scientific and industrial fields.
Common Misspellings for LEVOROTARY
- kevorotary
- pevorotary
- oevorotary
- lwvorotary
- lsvorotary
- ldvorotary
- lrvorotary
- l4vorotary
- l3vorotary
- lecorotary
- leborotary
- legorotary
- leforotary
- levirotary
- levkrotary
- levlrotary
- levprotary
- lev0rotary
- lev9rotary
Etymology of LEVOROTARY
The word "levorotary" derives from the combination of two Latin roots: "levo" meaning "left" or "turning to the left", and "rotare" meaning "to turn". The suffix "-ary" is added to create an adjective form.
In specific scientific contexts, "levorotary" is used to describe an optical rotation of a substance, indicating that it rotates the plane of polarized light to the left or counterclockwise. This term is often used in chemistry or pharmacology to describe certain chiral compounds that exhibit this specific rotation property.
Similar spelling words for LEVOROTARY
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