handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness ˈhan-dəd-nəs 

1

: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other

2

a

: the property of an object (such as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image : chirality

b

: either of the two configurations of an object that may exist in forms which are nonidentical mirror images

Examples of handedness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Running a night market food stall, the mother is working to keep her family afloat when a small act of defiance — sparked by the youngest girl’s left-handedness — leads to conflicts at school, pressure from relatives, and a decision that threatens their already unstable life. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026

Selective ways to make complex molecules This discovery will pave the way for faster, cleaner, and more selective ways to make complex molecules of a single handedness, with applications ranging from new drugs to advanced materials. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Traditional biosignature approaches focus on searching for specific compounds, such as certain amino acids or lipid structures, or for chiral preferences, like left-handedness. —Amirali Aghazadeh, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025

There is also more diversity in terms of handedness on the Dodgers' pitching roster, as Toronto boasts an all-right-handed starting rotation, and an overall squad that lacks southpaws. —Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness -nəs 

1

: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other

2

: the property of an object (as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image

3

: the property of having either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion (as the corkscrew movement of some microorganisms or their flagella or cilia)