dextrorotatory

adjective

dex·​tro·​ro·​ta·​to·​ry ˌdek-strō-ˈrō-tə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce dextrorotatory (audio)
: turning clockwise or toward the right
specifically : rotating the plane of polarization of light toward the right
dextrorotatory crystals
compare levorotatory

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dextrorotatory was circa 1872

Dictionary Entries Near dextrorotatory

Cite this Entry

“Dextrorotatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dextrorotatory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

dextrorotatory

adjective
dex·​tro·​ro·​ta·​to·​ry -ˈrōt-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce dextrorotatory (audio)
variants also dextrorotary
: turning clockwise or toward the right
especially : rotating the plane of polarization of light toward the right
dextrorotatory crystals
compare levorotatory

More from Merriam-Webster on dextrorotatory

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