chiral

adjective

chi·​ral ˈkī-rəl 

: of or relating to a molecule that is not superimposable on its mirror image

chirality

kī-ˈra-lə-tē 

kə-

noun

Examples of chiral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Such organisms would constitute living systems that are functionally equivalent to natural life but composed of molecules that are the complete chiral inverse of every living entity on Earth. —Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025

Like Death Stranding 2’s revelations about the insidious origins of the chiral network, Infinite portrays American greatness (progress, technology, wealth) as stemming from exploitation. —G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Sam will have to infiltrate a weapons factory or hunt massive chiral creatures. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 15 July 2025

When objects appear different in the mirror, scientists call them chiral. —Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

chir- + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chiral

• chiral center

Rhymes for chiral

• spiral
• viral
• adenoviral
• antiretroviral
• antiviral
• retroviral

Medical Definition

chiral

adjective

chi·​ral ˈkī-rəl 

1

a

of a molecule : having a structure that is nonsuperimposable on its mirror image

chiral molecules

b

: relating to or composed of chiral molecules

In discussions of chiral drugs, thalidomide is sometimes cited as a prime example of a drug that differs strikingly in the properties of its two enantiomers.

—Stephen C. Stinson, Chemical & Engineering News

2

: of, relating to, or being a chiral center

chirality

kī-ˈral-ət-ē 

noun

plural chiralities