chirality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chirality” mean?
The property of a molecule or object that is not superimposable on its mirror image.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property of a molecule or object that is not superimposable on its mirror image.
More broadly, a geometric property of any object, system, or mathematical structure that distinguishes it from its mirror image, like left- and right-handedness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical and scientific in both regions.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity and specialization in scientific contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “chirality” in a Sentence
The chirality of [NOUN PHRASE][VERB] the chiralityexhibit chiralityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chirality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The molecule chiralises upon crystallisation.
- The reaction chirality is controlled by the catalyst.
American English
- The molecule chiralizes upon crystallization.
- The reaction chirality is controlled by the catalyst.
adverb
British English
- The compound was chirally pure.
- The synthesis proceeded chirally selectively.
American English
- The compound was chirally pure.
- The synthesis proceeded chirally selectively.
adjective
British English
- The chiral centre was labelled with deuterium.
- They studied chiral nematic phases.
American English
- The chiral center was labeled with deuterium.
- They studied chiral nematic phases.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in pharmaceutical or advanced materials R&D reports regarding drug enantiomers.
Academic
Core concept in organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and some areas of physics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in scientific literature discussing stereochemistry, particle physics (e.g., chiral symmetry breaking), and metamaterials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chirality”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chirality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chirality”
- Using 'chirality' to mean general asymmetry rather than specific mirror-image non-superimposability.
- Pronouncing it as /tʃɪˈrælɪti/ (with a 'ch' as in 'chip'). The correct initial sound is /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, chirality is a specific type of asymmetry. An object is chiral if it lacks symmetry elements like a mirror plane or inversion center, meaning it is not identical to its mirror image. Asymmetry is a broader term.
Your left and right hands are the classic example. They are mirror images, but you cannot rotate your left hand to make it look exactly like your right hand.
Many biological molecules (like enzymes and receptors) are chiral. A drug molecule of one chirality (enantiomer) might fit and work correctly, while its mirror-image version might be ineffective or even cause harmful side effects.
Yes, but it's rare and technical. The verb is 'to chiralize' (chiefly AmE) or 'to chiralise' (chiefly BrE), meaning to impart chirality or become chiral.
The property of a molecule or object that is not superimposable on its mirror image.
Chirality is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chirality: in British English it is pronounced /kaɪˈræl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /kaɪˈræl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The 'handedness' of nature”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your hands: your left hand is a mirror image of your right, but you can't superimpose them (place one exactly on top of the other). That's chirality.
Conceptual Metaphor
HANDEDNESS IS CHIRALITY (e.g., a 'left-handed' molecule).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chirality' most commonly used?