Enantiomer

/ɪˈnæntiːəˌmər/ noun

Definition

One of two molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed, like left and right hands.

Etymology

From Greek 'enantios' (opposite) + '-mer' (from 'meros' meaning part). This chemistry term describes two molecular structures that are non-superimposable mirror images—a phenomenon called chirality.

Kelly Says

Your hands are enantiomers—perfect mirror images but you can't make your left hand match your right hand no matter how you rotate it. This matters hugely in chemistry and medicine because your body sometimes recognizes only one handed version of a molecule.

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