levorotatory

adjective

le·​vo·​ro·​ta·​to·​ry ˌlē-və-ˈrō-tə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce levorotatory (audio)
: turning toward the left or counterclockwise
specifically : rotating the plane of polarization of light to the left compare dextrorotatory

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of levorotatory was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near levorotatory

levopimaric acid

levorotatory

levulose

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Levorotatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/levorotatory. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

levorotatory

adjective
le·​vo·​ro·​ta·​to·​ry -ˈrōt-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce levorotatory (audio)
variants or levorotary
-ˈrōt-ə-rē How to pronounce levorotatory (audio)
or British laevorotatory or laevorotary
: turning toward the left or counterclockwise
especially : rotating the plane of polarization of light to the left compare dextrorotatory

More from Merriam-Webster on levorotatory

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about levorotatory

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