chirality

/ kaɪˈrælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the configuration or handedness (left or right) of an asymmetric, optically active chemical compound Also calleddissymmetry

chirality

/ kī-răl′ĭ-tē /

1. The characteristic of a structure (usually a molecule) that makes it impossible to superimpose it on its mirror image.
2. Also called handedness
3. See also helicity

Derived Forms

• ˈchiral, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirality¹

C19: from Greek kheir hand + -al ¹+ -ity

Example Sentences

Specifically, they found that by introducing chirality into the organic layers -- i.e., making the carbon chains in those layers asymmetrical -- they could effectively maintain the same stiffness and thermal conductivity even when making substantial changes to the composition of the organic layers.

From Science Daily

Now, researchers at Penn State have made the material potentially more useful by imparting chirality -- or handedness -- on it, which could make for advanced sensors and implantable medical devices.

From Science Daily

The chirality, induced via a method never before used on borophene, enables the material to interact in unique ways with different biological units such as cells and protein precursors.

From Science Daily

"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to understand the biological interactions of borophene and the first report of imparting chirality on borophene structures."

From Science Daily

Chirality refers to similar but not identical physicality, like left and right hands.

From Science Daily