optical activity

noun

: ability of a chemical substance to rotate the plane of vibration of polarized light to the right or left

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optical activity was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near optical activity

Cite this Entry

“Optical activity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical%20activity. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

optical activity

noun
: ability of a chemical substance to rotate the plane of vibration of polarized light to the right or left

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