dextrorotation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Highly technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “dextrorotation” mean?
Rotation to the right or clockwise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Rotation to the right or clockwise.
In chemistry and physics, specifically refers to the property of an optically active substance that rotates the plane of polarized light to the right (clockwise for an observer facing the oncoming light).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, confined to specialised scientific literature. Slightly more common in academic chemistry texts.
Grammar
How to Use “dextrorotation” in a Sentence
The compound exhibits dextrorotation.Dextrorotation is observed in...A specific dextrorotation of +25° was recorded.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dextrorotation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sample was found to dextrorotate.
- Compounds containing that chiral centre typically dextrorotate.
American English
- The solution dextrorotates polarized light.
- Does this isomer dextrorotate or levorotate?
adverb
British English
- The light was rotated dextrorotatorily.
- (Rarely used; 'in a dextrorotatory manner' is preferred.)
American English
- The plane polarized light moved dextrorotatorily.
- (Extremely rare usage.)
adjective
British English
- The dextrorotatory form of the molecule is more active.
- We isolated the dextrorotatory enantiomer.
American English
- Dextrorotatory crystals were obtained.
- The dextrorotatory isomer showed a positive specific rotation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, optics, and physics papers to describe the optical activity of chiral molecules.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in stereochemistry and polarimetry. Used to quantify and describe the optical behaviour of substances.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dextrorotation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dextrorotation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dextrorotation”
- Misspelling as 'dextrarotation'.
- Using it to describe general mechanical rotation instead of specific optical activity.
- Confusing it with 'dextrorotatory' (adjective vs. noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but specifically for an observer looking towards the light source. In optical activity, it describes the clockwise rotation of the plane of polarized light from the observer's perspective.
Yes, using an instrument called a polarimeter. The result is given as an angle, often specific rotation ([α]), which can be positive (dextrorotatory) or negative (levorotatory).
No. 'Dextrorotation' is the noun form describing the phenomenon or the measured angle. 'Dextrorotatory' is an adjective describing a substance that exhibits dextrorotation.
Primarily organic chemistry, biochemistry (for sugars, amino acids), pharmacology (where different enantiomers have different effects), and optics.
Rotation to the right or clockwise.
Dextrorotation is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Dextrorotation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɛkstrəʊrəʊˈteɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɛkstroʊroʊˈteɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a precise technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Dexter is Latin for 'right' (as in dexterity). Dextrorotation is rotation to the right.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTION IS HANDEDNESS (right-handed rotation).
Practice
Quiz
What does dextrorotation specifically refer to in chemistry?