laevogyrate

laevogyrate

A scientist observes a laevogyrate crystal under polarized light.

Definition

Adjective: In chemistry, describing a substance or compound that rotates the plane of polarized light to the left (counterclockwise). This property is also known as levorotatory.

Usage Examples
  • (The substance exhibited leftward optical rotation.)
  • (Natural amino acids rotate polarized light to the left.)
Advanced Usage
  • "laevogyrate isomer": a specific stereoisomer that rotates polarized light to the left.

    • The laevogyrate isomer of the drug was more biologically active than the dextrogyrate form. (The left-rotating version had greater pharmaceutical effect.)
  • "laevogyrate rotation": the measured angle of leftward rotation of polarized light.

    • The laevogyrate rotation of the sugar solution was recorded as -15.2°. (The negative sign indicates leftward rotation.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Laevogyration (n): the property or degree of rotating polarized light to the left.

    • The laevogyration of the compound confirmed its molecular configuration. (The leftward rotation verified its structure.)
  • Laevorotatory (adj): synonymous with laevogyrate, meaning rotating light to the left.

    • The laevorotatory form of the substance is more common in nature. (The left-rotating form is naturally prevalent.)
Synonyms
  • Levorotatory: the standard modern term for rotating polarized light to the left.
  • Left-rotating: a descriptive phrase for the optical property.
Antonyms
  • Dextrogyrate or Dextrorotatory: rotating polarized light to the right (clockwise).
Related Idioms