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Glite Dictionary
levorotatory

levorotatory

9.9
Turning the plane of light waves that move in one direction to the left
  • adjective
  • /ˌlɛvəˈroʊtəˌtɔri/
  • Specialized
: levorrotatorio
  • Identifying whether a compound is levorotatory or dextrorotatory is important in stereochemistry.

Examples

  • Glucose in its natural form is levorotatory and rotates polarized light to the left.

  • The chemist explained that the levorotatory isomer had different physiological effects than its dextrorotatory counterpart.

  • Glucose in its natural form is levorotatory and rotates polarized light to the left.

  • The levorotatory compound was used in the experiment.

  • Is the solution levorotatory or dextrorotatory?

  • Identifying whether a compound is levorotatory or dextrorotatory is important in stereochemistry.

  • The chemist explained that the levorotatory isomer had different physiological effects than its dextrorotatory counterpart.

Synonyms

left-handed
vslevorotatory
1 3.9

Turning or moving to the left, as in counterclockwise motion

applies specifically to polarized light rotation rather than any left turn
levorotary
vslevorotatory
  • Specialized
9.9

Rotates light that vibrates in one direction to the left when seen from the light source

describes the same rotation without specifying viewing direction

Surface Forms

levorotatory positive

Morphology

levorotatory = rotatory (semi-transparent) = levo + rotat + ory

The sense is compositionally 'left' + 'rotating', but 'levo-' is a specialized Latin combining form used in scientific contexts and may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Levorotatory comes from Latin parts levo- meaning 'left' and rotatory from rotate meaning 'turning'. So a levorotatory substance turns polarized light to the 'left', which is why chemists use this word to show the direction of rotation.