racemic

adjective ra·ce·mic \ rā-ˈsē-mik , rə- \

Definition of racemic

: of, relating to, or constituting a compound or mixture that is composed of equal amounts of dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms of the same compound and is not optically active

Origin and Etymology of racemic

racemic acid, a compound with such a structure obtained from grape juice, ultimately from Latin racemus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1892

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

racemic

adjective ra·ce·mic \ rā-ˈsē-mik, rə- \

medical Definition of racemic

: of, relating to, or constituting a compound or mixture that is composed of equal amounts of dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms of the same compound and is optically inactive — compare dl-