absolute configuration

noun

chemistry
: the orientation (see orientation sense 6a) of the components of a chiral chemical compound
A third naming system, also based on absolute configuration, uses the letters D and L, but is now rarely used.Geoffrey T Tucker, Lancet, 25 Mar. 2000

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolute configuration was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Absolute configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute%20configuration. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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