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Glite Dictionary
levorotary

levorotary

9.9
Rotates light that vibrates in one direction to the left when seen from the light source
  • adjective
  • /ˌlɛvəˈroʊtəri/
  • Specialized
: levorotatorio
  • The compound is levorotary and rotates polarized light to the left.

Examples

  • When measured with a polarimeter, the solution was found to be levorotary.

  • Some sugars exhibit levorotary behavior due to their molecular structure.

  • The levorotary compound showed unique optical properties.

  • Is the solution levorotary or dextrorotary?

  • The scientist discovered that the new compound was levorotary, causing the light to rotate to the left.

  • In chemistry, a levorotary substance is one that rotates polarized light counterclockwise.

  • When conducting experiments, it's important to note if a material is levorotary in nature.

Synonyms

left-handed
vslevorotary
1 3.9

Turning or moving to the left, as in counterclockwise motion

is specific to polarized light rotation rather than any left turn
levorotatory
vslevorotary
  • Specialized
9.9

Turning the plane of light waves that move in one direction to the left

is the alternative adjective form used in the same scientific sense

Surface Forms

levorotary positive

Morphology

levorotary = rotary (semi-transparent) = levo + rotary + levo

The term literally means 'left-rotating' and is compositionally analyzable, but the combining form 'levo-' is a specialized scientific prefix that is not familiar to average B1 learners.

Etymology

Levorotary comes from the Latin part levo- meaning 'left' and the word rotary (from rotate) meaning 'turning'. So levorotary literally means 'turning to the left', which is why a levorotary substance rotates polarized light to the left.