Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

levo

prefix/abbreviation

/ˈliː.voʊ/

Definition

A prefix denoting the left side or left-handedness, often used in chemistry to describe molecules that rotate plane-polarized light to the left.

Examples

Levo is often used in the context of levorotatory compounds in chemistry.
In pharmacology, levo is sometimes part of the name of drugs that act on the body’s left-hand side receptors.

Meaning

Levo is derived from the Latin word ‘laevus,’ meaning left. In a scientific context, it often refers to stereoisomers that have a left-handed configuration.