racemic

adjective

ra·​ce·​mic rā-ˈsē-mik 

rə-

: of, relating to, or constituting a compound or mixture that is composed of equal amounts of dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms of the same compound and is not optically active

Examples of racemic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers on the new study say that infusions of racemic ketamine (which uses two forms of ketamine molecules, in contrast with esketamine's single form) are cheaper than esketamine and could result in savings if they were covered by insurance. —Katherine Dillinger and Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 12 Sep. 2022

She’s opted for intravenous racemic ketamine ever since, but her insurance refuses to cover it. —Raleigh McElvery, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 May 2022

Physicians have been prescribing racemic ketamine off-label to patients with depression for at years. —Raleigh McElvery, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

racemic acid, a compound with such a structure obtained from grape juice, ultimately from Latin racemus

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

racemic

adjective

ra·​ce·​mic rā-ˈsē-mik, rə- 

: of, relating to, or constituting a compound or mixture that is composed of equal amounts of dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms of the same compound and is optically inactive compare dl-