optical isomerism: Meaning and Definition of

op'tical isom'erism

Pronunciation: [key]
— Chem. Chem.
  1. stereoisomerism in which the isomers are identical in molecular weight and most chemical and physical properties but differ in their effect on the rotation of polarized light. Cf.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.