handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness ˈhan-dəd-nəs How to pronounce handedness (audio)
1
: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2
a
: the property of an object (such as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image : chirality
b
: either of the two configurations of an object that may exist in forms which are nonidentical mirror images

Examples of handedness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Understanding the relationship between handedness and impacts to the clavicle is crucial. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 Collarbones capture information about age, development and growth as well as handedness, or which hand crew members favored. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024 Shining light on the Mary Rose: Identifying chemical differences in human aging and handedness in the clavicles of sailors using Raman spectroscopy Maryrose.org. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 The unorthodox left field wall combined with Rogers’ handedness was perhaps a reason the Orioles had interest in him given opposing teams normally load their lineups with right-handed hitters against southpaws. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handedness 

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handedness was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near handedness

Cite this Entry

“Handedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handedness. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

handedness

noun
hand·​ed·​ness -nəs How to pronounce handedness (audio)
1
: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2
: the property of an object (as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image
3
: the property of having either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion (as the corkscrew movement of some microorganisms or their flagella or cilia)
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