optically active

adjective

: capable of rotating the plane of vibration of polarized light to the right or left

—used of compounds, molecules, or atoms

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

optically active

adjective

: capable of rotating the plane of vibration of polarized light to the right or left : either dextrorotatory or levorotatory

—used of compounds, molecules, or atoms