Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

asymmetric carbon atom

noun

Definition of asymmetric carbon atom

: a carbon atom in union with four atoms or groups no two of which are alike, compounds containing such a carbon atom being capable of existing in two optically active forms which are distinguished by being respectively levorotatory and dextrorotatory and also in some cases by having enantiomorphous crystal forms

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about asymmetric carbon atom

Share asymmetric carbon atom

Statistics for asymmetric carbon atom

Look-up Popularity

Comments on asymmetric carbon atom

What made you want to look up asymmetric carbon atom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

imbroglio

a complex dispute or argument

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three-bears-two-of-them-look-like-theyre-whispering-to-a-third-bear-who-looks-chuffed-to-be-the-center-of-attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games