Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mirror-image form: An "enantiomorph" is one of a pair of molecules, crystals, or other structures that are mirror images of each other but are not superimposable, meaning they cannot be aligned perfectly on top of one another. They are non-identical, much like a left and right hand.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The two crystals were enantiomorphs, one twisting light to the left and the other to the right.
  • In chemistry, an enantiomorph and its mirror image are called enantiomers.

Advanced Usage

• "To exist as enantiomorphs": To be present as a pair of mirror-image forms.
  • The compound can exist as enantiomorphs, which have different biological activities.

Variants and Related Words

• Enantiomeric (adj): Relating to or being an enantiomorph.
  • The two samples showed enantiomeric purity.
• Enantiomer (n): A term often used interchangeably with "enantiomorph," especially in chemistry to describe mirror-image molecules.
  • The drug's effectiveness depends on which enantiomer is used.

Synonyms

• Optical isomer: A synonym used in chemistry for a molecule that is an enantiomorph.
• Mirror image: A general term describing the relationship, though not a technical synonym for the noun form.

Related Phrases

• Enantiomeric pair: Refers to the set of two enantiomorphs together.
  • The synthesis produced an enantiomeric pair.
• Enantiomorphic form: Another way to refer to one structure in an enantiomorphic pair.
  • Only one enantiomorphic form of the molecule is biologically active.

Noun

1. either one of a pair of compounds (crystals or molecules) that are mirror images on each other but are not identical