stereochemistry

noun

ste·​reo·​chem·​is·​try ˌster-ē-ō-ˈke-mə-strē 

ˌstir-

1

: a branch of chemistry that deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in molecules

2

: the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a compound and its relation to the properties of the compound

stereochemical

ˌster-ē-ō-ˈke-mi-kəl 

ˌstir-

adjective

Examples of stereochemistry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, a wedge, dash or line in a molecular diagram can alter the stereochemistry and, therefore, the function of a compound. —Michael Dennis, Forbes.com, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stereochemistry

• biochemistry
• cytochemistry
• geochemistry
• histochemistry
• neurochemistry
• photochemistry
• phytochemistry
• thermochemistry
• biogeochemistry
• chemistry
• electrochemistry
• immunochemistry

Medical Definition

stereochemistry

noun

ste·​reo·​chem·​is·​try ˌster-ē-ō-ˈkem-ə-strē, ˌstir- 

plural stereochemistries

1

: a branch of chemistry that deals with the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in molecules

2

: the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a compound and its relation to the properties of the compound