dextrorotatory

[ dek-stroh-roh-tuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]
/ ˌdɛk stroʊˈroʊ təˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective Optics.

turning to the right, as the rotation to the right of the plane of polarization of light in certain crystals and the like. Symbol: d-
Also dex·tro·ro·ta·ry [dek-stroh-roh-tuh-ree] /ˌdɛk stroʊˈroʊ tə ri/.

Origin of dextrorotatory

First recorded in 1875–80; dextro- + rotatory

OTHER WORDS FROM dextrorotatory

dex·tro·ro·ta·tion [dek-stroh-roh-tey-shuh n] /ˌdɛk stroʊ roʊˈteɪ ʃən/, noun

Words nearby dextrorotatory

dextrogyration, dextromanual, dextropedal, dextroposition, dextrorotation, dextrorotatory, dextrorse, dextrose, dextrosinistral, dextrotorsion, dextrotropic

British Dictionary definitions for dextrorotation

dextrorotation
/ (ˌdɛkstrəʊrəʊˈteɪʃən) /

noun

a rotation to the right; clockwise rotation, esp of the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light passing through a crystal, liquid, or solution, as seen by an observer facing the oncoming light Compare laevorotation

Derived forms of dextrorotation

dextrorotatory (ˌdɛkstrəʊˈrəʊtətərɪ, -trɪ) or dextrorotary, adjective

Medical definitions for dextrorotation

dextrorotatory
[ dĕk′strə-rō′tə-tôr′ē ]

adj.

Turning or rotating the plane of polarization of light to the right or clockwise, as for solutions or isomers, usually designated as d- in chemical names.

Scientific definitions for dextrorotation (1 of 2)

dextrorotation
[ dĕk′strə-rō-tā′shən ]

The clockwise rotation of the plane of polarization of light (as observed when looking straight into the incoming light) by certain substances, such as crystals, and by certain solutions. Dextrorotation is caused by a particular arrangement of the atoms in a molecule of the substance. Compare levorotation.

Scientific definitions for dextrorotation (2 of 2)

dextrorotatory
[ dĕk′strə-rō′tə-tôr′ē ]

Relating to a substance that causes dextrorotation.