optical isomerism
noun Chemistry.
stereoisomerism in which the isomers are identical in molecular weight and most chemical and physical properties but differ in their effect on the rotation of polarized light.
Origin of optical isomerism
First recorded in 1890–95
Words nearby optical isomerism
optical flint,
optical glass,
optical illusion,
optical image,
optical isomer,
optical isomerism,
optical mark reading,
optical microscope,
optical mouse,
optical path,
optical printer
British Dictionary definitions for optical isomerism
optical isomerism
noun
isomerism of chemical compounds in which the two isomers differ only in that their molecules are mirror images of each other
See also dextrorotation, laevorotatory, racemize
Derived forms of optical isomerism
optical isomer, nounMedical definitions for optical isomerism
optical isomerism
n.
Stereoisomerism involving the arrangement of substituents about an asymmetric carbon atom or atoms so that the various isomers differ in how they rotate a plane of polarized light.