'Unsymmetrical carbon atom' definitions:
Definition of 'Unsymmetrical carbon atom'
From: GCIDE
- Unsymmetrical \Un`sym*met"ric*al\, a.
- 1. Wanting in symmetry, or due proportion pf parts. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Biol.) Not symmetrical; being without symmetry, as the parts of a flower when similar parts are of different size and shape, or when the parts of successive circles differ in number. See Symmetry. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Chem.) Being without symmetry of chemical structure or relation; as, an unsymmetrical carbon atom. [1913 Webster]
- Unsymmetrical carbon atom (Chem.), one which is united at once to four different atoms or radicals. This condition usually occasions physical isomerism, with the attendant action on polarized light. [1913 Webster]