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Enantiomer: meaning, definitions and examples

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enantiomer

 

[ ɪˈnæntiəˌmər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

One of a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other but are not superimposable. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images.

Synonyms

mirror-image molecule, optical isomer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enantiomer

Same as the first one, used in the same context. The repetition might be a mistake or emphasize its importance in specific contexts.

  • Researchers discovered the enantiomer's potential in creating more effective medications
mirror-image molecule

Often used in a more generalized or educational context to explain enantiomers in simpler terms. This is helpful when introducing the concept to beginners or in less formal settings.

  • To understand enantiomers, think of them as mirror-image molecules like your left and right hands
optical isomer

Used interchangeably with 'enantiomer' in scientific contexts, it emphasizes the different ways the molecules interact with polarized light. This term is frequently used in chemistry to discuss stereochemistry.

  • Optical isomers have identical physical properties, but they rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions

Examples of usage

  • Enantiomers have the same physical properties but differ in their chemical reactions.
  • The two enantiomers of a molecule have opposite effects on the human body.
  • In drug development, it is important to consider the effects of both enantiomers of a compound.

Translations

Translations of the word "enantiomer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enantiômero

🇮🇳 एनैन्टीओमर

🇩🇪 Enantiomer

🇮🇩 enantiomer

🇺🇦 енантіомер

🇵🇱 enancjomer

🇯🇵 エナンチオマー

🇫🇷 énantiomère

🇪🇸 enantiómero

🇹🇷 enantiyomer

🇰🇷 에난티오머

🇸🇦 مركب مرافق ضوئي

🇨🇿 enantiomer

🇸🇰 enantiomér

🇨🇳 对映体

🇸🇮 enantiomer

🇮🇸 andhverfa

🇰🇿 энантиомер

🇬🇪 ენანტიომერი

🇦🇿 enantiomer

🇲🇽 enantiómero

Etymology

The term 'enantiomer' comes from the Greek words 'enantios' meaning 'opposite' and 'meros' meaning 'part'. Enantiomers were first described by Louis Pasteur in 1848. The concept of enantiomers is important in chemistry, especially in the field of stereochemistry.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,607 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.