chirality
|chi-ral-i-ty|
/kaɪˈrælɪti/
handedness (non-superimposable mirror image)
Etymology
'chirality' originates from Greek, specifically the element 'cheir' (Greek: χείρ), where 'cheir' meant 'hand'. The modern English form is built from the adjective 'chiral' + the noun-forming suffix '-ity'.
'chirality' changed from New Latin/Modern scientific formation 'chiralis' (meaning 'of the hand') and the adjective 'chiral' into the English noun 'chirality' during the development of modern chemistry and geometry terminology.
Initially, the root referred simply to 'hand' or 'handedness'; over time it evolved into the technical term for non-superimposability of mirror images, especially for molecules and geometric figures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the property of an object (or a molecule) that makes it not superimposable on its mirror image; often described as 'handedness.'
The chirality of the molecule determines whether it interacts with biological receptors as the 'left' or 'right' form.
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Noun 2
in mathematics and geometry, the feature of a figure or spatial arrangement that lacks mirror symmetry (cannot be mapped onto its mirror image by rotations and translations).
The knot's chirality means it cannot be deformed into its mirror image without cutting.
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Last updated: 2025/10/13 23:51