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Glite Dictionary
enantiomorphism

enantiomorphism

9.9
A property of being mirror images that cannot be placed on top of each other, like left and right hands
  • noun
  • /ɪˌnæn.ti.oʊˈmɔːr.fɪ.zəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : enantiomorfismo
  • In organic chemistry, enantiomorphism explains how certain molecules can exist as left- and right-handed forms.

Examples

  • The enantiomorphism of these crystals results in different optical activities.

  • Researchers studied the enantiomorphism in quartz to understand its physical properties.

  • What is enantiomorphism?

  • The concept of enantiomorphism is crucial in chemistry.

  • In organic chemistry, enantiomorphism describes the phenomenon where molecules exist as two non-superimposable mirror images.

  • Researchers analyzed enantiomorphism in various crystals to better understand their unique properties.

  • The enantiomorphism of these substances leads to distinct behaviors in chemical reactions.

Synonyms

mirror-image relation
vsenantiomorphism
  • Specialized
9.1

A relationship where two molecules or crystals are exact mirror reflections of each other

has the same meaning but is the technical term used in science

Surface Forms

enantiomorphism singular
enantiomorphisms plural

Morphology

enantiomorphism = enantiomorph (opaque) = enantio + morph + ism

The base 'enantiomorph' and combining form 'enantio-' are technical Greek-derived elements unfamiliar to B1 learners, so the relation does not yield a guessable meaning for general learners.

Etymology

Enantiomorphism breaks into enantio- meaning 'opposite' and -morphism meaning 'shape' or 'form'. So it describes things that are mirror images of each other, like left- and right-handed molecules that cannot be placed on top of each other.