Definition

Relating to a process that produces a specific three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Example

The reaction was stereospecific, resulting in only one of the possible isomers.

Conversation

I was reading about some new chemical reactions today.

Oh really? What caught your interest?

They mentioned something called stereospecific reactions, which seemed fascinating.

That sounds cool! It’s interesting how certain reactions can be so precise.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stereospecific → It is formed from "stereo-" (from Greek "stereos", meaning solid or three-dimensional) and "specific" (from Latin "specificus", meaning particular or distinct). The word describes a reaction or process that is specific to a particular three-dimensional arrangement of molecules.

Memory Tip

Think of 'solid' ('stereo-') and 'particular' ('specific') to remember that 'stereospecific' refers to a process that is specific to a solid or distinct three-dimensional arrangement.

Visually Confused Words