chirality

[prettygoodword]

chirality (KEYE-rahl-i-tee) - n., the property of not being superimposable on a mirror image.


Used in various ways in chemistry (of a molecule), physics (of a physical or notional object, especially a particle), and mathematics (of a geometric object). Coined by Lord Kelvin in 1894 from Greek root cheír, hand, the same that gives us chiropractic (which is done by hand manipulation).

---L.

Comments

[taigerchily.livejournal.com]

because our hands are the best example for chirality (but then, of course, you know that already ;-) )

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Claro que sí.

---L.