handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness ˈhan-dəd-nəs 

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

Many sperm banks now provide clients with information on donors’ handedness. —Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025

Mirror Mirror To test if gravitational waves from black hole mergers do demonstrate a mirror-symmetry-breaking handedness, Bustillo and colleagues measured the polarization of gravitational waves coming from 47 black hole mergers. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Related article Scientists warn of ‘unprecedented’ risks of research into mirror life Amino acids have handedness, meaning they can be created in two mirror-image versions, like a pair of hands. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025

The Mets already have a closer with Edwin Diaz manning the role, but having another closer-type pitcher of the other handedness could be very beneficial. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness -nəs 

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)