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Glite Dictionary
mirror-image relation

mirror-image relation

9.1
A relationship where two molecules or crystals are exact mirror reflections of each other
  • noun
  • /ˈmɪrər ˈɪmɪdʒ rɪˈleɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : relación de imagen especular
  • In organic chemistry, amino acids often exhibit a mirror-image relation to one another, which determines their biological activity.

Examples

  • The concept of a mirror-image relation is crucial in understanding enantiomers in stereochemistry.

  • Some minerals can form crystals that display a mirror-image relation, making them optical isomers.

  • The two molecules exhibit a clear mirror-image relation.

  • In chemistry, mirror-image relations are crucial for understanding chirality.

  • In organic chemistry, amino acids often exhibit a mirror-image relation to one another, which determines their biological activity.

  • Some minerals can form crystals that display a mirror-image relation, making them optical isomers.

  • The concept of a mirror-image relation is essential for understanding how certain compounds interact in stereochemistry.

Synonyms

enantiomorphism
vsmirror-image relation
  • Specialized
9.9

A property of being mirror images that cannot be placed on top of each other, like left and right hands

is broader, focusing on structural reflection or handedness rather than non-superimposability

Surface Forms

mirror-image relation singular
mirror-image relations plural

Morphology

mirror-image + relation

The phrase is transparently built from 'mirror-image' (an exact reflection) plus 'relation' (a connection), so a learner who knows those words can infer it means a relationship of exact reflection between items. Although used in technical contexts (chirality/crystals), the compositional logic is clear and common across languages, so a B1 learner would likely understand the sense.

Etymology

Mirror-image relation comes from the simple picture of a mirror and an image: two things that are exact reflections of each other, like a left and a right hand. So in chemistry or crystals it means two molecules or shapes that are 'mirror' copies of each other and often behave as opposite versions.