levo

Levo is a term used in science and related fields as a prefix derived from the Latin laevus, meaning left. It is applied in various disciplines to indicate leftward orientation or association with the left side, typically in contrast to dextro- (right).

In chemistry and stereochemistry, levo- denotes a left-handed orientation in the sense of optical activity. Compounds described as levorotatory rotate plane-polarized light to the left. This property is independent of the chemical structure but often relates to a specific enantiomer, the mirror-image form of a chiral molecule. The opposite orientation is dextro-, or dextrorotatory, which rotates light to the right. In practice, levo- and dextro- are used to distinguish enantiomers and to name specific forms of drugs and other chiral substances.

In pharmacology and biochemistry, levo- (or L-) prefixes indicate a particular enantiomer of a compound. The active or studied form of a drug may be the levo- enantiomer, and such naming helps emphasize stereochemical purity and pharmacological properties. It is important to note that L- and levo- are related concepts but are not always perfectly synonymous with levorotatory rotation, which is a physical property.

Beyond science, levo can appear as a brand name or proper noun in various contexts. In general use, it remains chiefly a technical term tied to leftward orientation, left-handedness, or left-rotating properties, especially in contrast to the right-handed, dextro-oriented terms.