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