noun

chirality

ky-RAL-ih-tee

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Chirality (noun) means the property of an object having a mirror image that cannot be turned to match the original, found in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Example: “The chirality of the molecule determines how it interacts with enzymes in the body.”

noun

The property of an object having a mirror image that cannot be turned to match the original, found in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

"The chirality of the molecule determines how it interacts with enzymes in the body."

"Physicists study chirality in particles as well as in everyday objects."

"A pair of gloves shows chirality, since the left glove is a mirror image of the right."

How to use chirality

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChirality is about things that come in mirror-image pairs that do not match up, like your two hands.

When to use it

This is a technical term used mainly in scientific writing rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of your own hands: they mirror each other but never fit exactly on top of one another, and that mismatch is chirality.

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Common pairings

molecular chirality chirality of a molecule optical chirality

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the molecule determines how it interacts with enzymes in the body.

Etymology

The word is built from the adjective chiral together with the suffix -ity, which turns an adjective into a noun naming a quality.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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handedness

Rhymes for chirality

city deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality annuity

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Frequently asked questions

What does chirality mean?

It refers to something having a mirror-image form that is not identical to the original, in the way a left hand differs from a right hand.

Is chirality only a chemistry term?

No, it is used in chemistry, physics and mathematics wherever an object and its mirror image cannot be superimposed.

What is another word for chirality?

Handedness is used as a synonym, and the related term enantiomer describes one of a pair of chiral molecules.

What is the meaning of chirality?

"chirality" (noun) means the property of an object having a mirror image that cannot be turned to match the original, found in chemistry, physics and mathematics.