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

Four chiral molecules in particular can illustrate why handedness matters in medicine. — Mallory Green, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Molecules that are chiral are those whose mirror images cannot be superimposed on one another. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Sometimes, the mirror molecule does something completely different from what it was originally intended to — take novrad, a cough medicine, and darvon, a painkiller, which are chiral molecules (hence their mirror names, too). — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026

Two of the chiral molecules would bond to the metal ion to form the catalyst. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026

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