levorotatory

[ lee-vuh-roh-tuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

, Optics, Chemistry, Biochemistry.

1. turning to the left, as the rotation to the left of the plane of polarization of light in certain crystals and compounds. : l-

levorotatory

/ lē′və-rō′tə-tôr′ē /

1. Relating to a substance that causes levorotation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of levorotatory¹

First recorded in 1870–75; levo- + rotatory

Example Sentences

Heinemann shows116 that lactic acid exists in two optical modifications, the levorotatory and dextrorotary acids.

From Project Gutenberg

The gums are translucent, amorphous substances, whose solutions in water are levorotatory.

From Project Gutenberg