Definition

Describing a substance that causes polarized light to turn to the left or counterclockwise.

Example

The levorotatory form of the compound is essential for its biological activity.

Conversation

Did you know that some amino acids are levorotatory?

Really? I had no idea what that meant until now.

Yeah, they actually rotate light to the left, which is pretty cool.

That's fascinating! I love learning about how chemistry works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Levorotatory is formed from "levo-" (from Latin "laevus", meaning left) and "rotatory" (from Latin "rotare", meaning to rotate). The word describes a substance that rotates plane-polarized light to the left.

Memory Tip

Think of 'left' ('levo-') and 'rotating' ('rotatory') to remember that levorotatory means something that turns light to the left.

Visually Confused Words