chiral

[ kahy-ruhl ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. (of a molecule) not superimposable on its mirror image.

Other Words From

• chi·ral·i·ty [kahy-, ral, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiral¹

1894; chir- < Greek cheír hand + -al ¹; coined by Lord Kelvin

Example Sentences

A particular advantage of the new technique is that it also works with chiral antiferromagnetic materials.

From Science Daily

"Our findings are significant for the thermoelectric imaging of spintronic components. We have already demonstrated this with chiral antiferromagnets," says Woltersdorf.

From Science Daily

"With our method has two advantages: on the one hand, we have greatly improved the spatial resolution of magnetic structures, far beyond the possibilities of optical methods. Secondly, it can also be applied to chiral antiferromagnetic systems, which will directly benefit our planned Cluster of Excellence 'Centre for Chiral Electronics'," says Woltersdorf.

From Science Daily

These types of reactions are used to create chiral molecules, which can exist in two versions that are mirror images of each other, like a left and a right hand.

From Science Daily

The researchers found that certain amino acids, like cysteine, would bind to borophene in distinct locations, depending on their chiral handedness.

From Science Daily