antimeric
|an-ti-mer-ic|
/ˌæn.tɪˈmɛr.ɪk/
opposite part / counterpart
Etymology
'antimeric' originates from modern formation combining the prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'opposite') with the stem 'mer-'/'-mere' (from Greek 'meros' meaning 'part'), where 'anti-' meant 'opposite' and 'meros' meant 'part'.
'antimeric' developed in English from the noun 'antimere' (formed in New/Modern Latin from Greek elements) plus the adjectival suffix '-ic'; the Greek word 'meros' (μέρος) gave rise to the stem meaning 'part', and 'anti-' is from Greek ἀντί meaning 'opposite'.
Initially formed to mean 'opposite part' (literal opposite component), it has come to be used in technical contexts to mean 'relating to corresponding opposite parts' in anatomy or 'opposite/mirror-related configuration' in stereochemistry.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or situated on the opposite side; corresponding part on the other side (often used in anatomy or morphology).
The surgeon compared the antimeric limbs before planning the operation.
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Adjective 2
in stereochemistry, of or relating to antimeres—configurations or isomers that are opposite or mirror-related at one or more centers.
The compound can be isolated as two antimeric forms that differ at a single stereocenter.
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Last updated: 2025/09/03 21:20