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Glite Dictionary
levorotation

levorotation

9.9
The turning of polarized light to the left when you look toward the light source
  • noun
  • /ˌlɛvərəˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : levorrotación
  • The sugar solution exhibited levorotation when tested with a polarimeter.

Examples

  • Certain organic compounds cause levorotation of polarized light, a key feature in stereochemistry.

  • A substance showing levorotation is described as levorotatory in chemical terminology.

  • The levorotation of the light was measured in degrees.

  • Can you explain what levorotation means?

  • In the lab, we observed that the glucose solution displayed strong levorotation when illuminated with polarized light.

  • The chemist noted that the compound's levorotation was significant, indicating its optical activity.

  • During the experiment, we measured the levorotation of the sample using a specialized polarimeter.

Synonyms

counterclockwise rotation
vslevorotation
  • US
4.1

A movement that turns to the left, the opposite direction of a clock's hands

refers specifically to left turning of a light's polarization plane seen toward the source

Antonyms

dextrorotation
  • Specialized
9.9

The clockwise turning of light that moves in one plane when it passes through a substance

Surface Forms

levorotation singular
levorotations plural

Morphology

levorotation = rotation (semi-transparent) = levo + rotate + ion

Built from the combining form 'levo-' (meaning 'left') + 'rotation'; the meaning 'leftward rotation' is systematic but 'levo-' is a technical combining form that may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Levorotation comes from the parts levo- meaning 'left' and rotation meaning 'a turn'. So levorotation is an easy way to remember that it means the plane of polarized light 'turns to the left' as you look toward the light.