optical rotation

noun Physical Chemistry.

the angle at which the plane of polarized light is rotated when passed through an optically active substance.

Origin of optical rotation

First recorded in 1890–95

Words nearby optical rotation

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British Dictionary definitions for optical rotation

optical rotation

noun

the angle through which plane-polarized light is rotated in its passage through a substance exhibiting optical activity

Medical definitions for optical rotation

optical rotation

n.

The change or rotation in the plane of polarization that occurs when polarized light is passed through an optically active substance.