LEVOGYRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Levogyration is a scientific term that refers to the property of certain compounds or molecules to rotate plane-polarized light counterclockwise when viewed from the light source towards the observer. The name "levogyration" originates from the Latin words "levo," meaning left, and "gyrus," meaning circle or rotation. This term is commonly used in chemistry and physics, specifically in the field of optical activity.
Optical activity refers to the ability of a substance to interact with light in a way that affects the plane of polarization. This property is observed in chiral molecules, which have a non-superimposable mirror image. Levogyration is the opposite of dextrogyration, which is the rotation of plane-polarized light in the clockwise direction.
The extent of levogyration is determined by the specific arrangement of atoms within a molecule. The presence of asymmetric carbon atoms, which have four different substituents, is often responsible for levorotatory optical activity. Levogyration can also be influenced by external factors such as temperature, solvent, and concentration.
Scientists measure optical activity using a polarimeter, which quantifies the angle of rotation caused by the substance. Levogyration is denoted by a negative sign, indicating the rotation is counterclockwise.
Levogyration is an important concept in fields such as organic chemistry, pharmacology, and biochemistry. It plays a significant role in the identification, characterization, and synthesis of various compounds, as well as in the study of their biological effects.
Common Misspellings for LEVOGYRATION
- kevogyration
- pevogyration
- oevogyration
- lwvogyration
- lsvogyration
- ldvogyration
- lrvogyration
- l4vogyration
- l3vogyration
- lecogyration
- lebogyration
- legogyration
- lefogyration
- levigyration
- levkgyration
- levlgyration
- levpgyration
- lev0gyration
- lev9gyration
- levofyration
Etymology of LEVOGYRATION
The etymology of the word "levogyration" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Levo": From the Latin word "laevus", meaning "left" or "toward the left-hand side". It is also related to the English term "sinister", which originally meant "left" or "on the left side".
2. "Gyration": Derived from the Latin word "gyrus", meaning "circle" or "circuit". It refers to a circular or spinning movement.
Combining these two components, "levogyration" can be understood as a term that conveys a leftward or counterclockwise rotation or movement.
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