levorotatory

[ lee-vuh-roh-tuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]
/ ˌli vəˈroʊ təˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective Optics, Chemistry, Biochemistry.

turning to the left, as the rotation to the left of the plane of polarization of light in certain crystals and compounds. Symbol: l-
Also le·vo·ro·ta·ry [lee-vuh-roh-tuh-ree] /ˌli vəˈroʊ tə ri/.

Origin of levorotatory

First recorded in 1870–75; levo- + rotatory

Example sentences from the Web for levorotatory

  • The gums are translucent, amorphous substances, whose solutions in water are levorotatory.

    The Chemistry of Plant Life |Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
  • Heinemann shows116 that lactic acid exists in two optical modifications, the levorotatory and dextrorotary acids.

    The Book of Cheese |Charles Thom and Walter Warner Fisk

Medical definitions for levorotatory

levorotatory
[ lē′və-rōtə-tôr′ē ]

adj.

Turning or rotating the plane of polarization of light to the left.
Of or relating to a chemical solution that rotates such a plane to the left.

Scientific definitions for levorotatory

levorotatory
[ lē′və-rōtə-tôr′ē ]

Relating to a substance that causes levorotation.