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

Their handedness could be the sole factor in determining who starts the season in Cincinnati and who starts in Louisville. —Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

The data collected by LIGO and Virgo demonstrated gravitational waves do indeed cancel out excess handedness, showing no directional preference. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Like how your left glove fits only your left hand and your right glove your right hand, chiral molecules can interact only with other molecules of compatible handedness. —Kate Adamala, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025

His right handedness helps balance out a Red Sox lineup largely headlined by left-handed hitters, including Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 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)