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

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

All particles spontaneously appear with an even mix of left- and right-handedness. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 14 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)