handedness
Left or right
Handedness is the preference for using one hand over the other—most people are right-handed, a minority left-handed, and a few ambidextrous.
The term extends to any systematic asymmetry: the handedness of a molecule describes its mirror-image orientation, and in physics, handedness characterizes the spin direction of particles.
Left-handedness runs in her family.
Localization to one side
- hemisphericOf a half-sphere
- cerebralRelating to intellect
- neurologicalOf the nervous system
- brainSeat of cognition
motor · dominant · asymmetry · laterality · neuroscience · cognition · specialization · cortical
Mirror-image molecular variant
- stereochemistryStudy of molecular shape
- molecularOf tiny particles
- asymmetricNot identical on both sides
- mirror imageReversed visual duplicate
Left-handed person, informally
- writingRecorded language on surface
- throwingPropelling by arm motion
- eatingIngesting sustenance
- scissorsPivoted twin-blade cutter
guitar · mouse · keyboard · chopsticks · batting · pitching · catching · brushing
Bats left and right
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- bimanualInvolving both hands
- cross-dominancePreferring opposite limbs for tasks
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
Underhanded control of others
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- agilityQuickness and ease
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- nimblenessEase of quick movement
finesse · deftness · adroitness · proficiency · craftsmanship · manual skill · grip strength · finger control
Genetic share of variation
- geneHereditary information unit
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- polygenicInvolving numerous hereditary units
- alleleGene variant at one locus
chromosome · familial · twin studies · developmental · prenatal · biological · traits · variation
Threateningly suggestive of harm
- gaucheSocially awkward, unrefined
- tabooCultural or social prohibition
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- forced conversionCoerced change of faith
lateralization
Localization to one side
- hemisphericOf a half-sphere
- cerebralRelating to intellect
- neurologicalOf the nervous system
brain · motor · dominant · asymmetry · laterality · neuroscience · cognition · specialization · cortical · motor cortex
enantiomer
Mirror-image molecular variant
- stereochemistryStudy of molecular shape
- molecularOf tiny particles
- asymmetricNot identical on both sides
southpaw
Left-handed person, informally
scissors · guitar · mouse · keyboard · chopsticks · batting · pitching · catching · brushing · stirring
switch-hitter
Bats left and right
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- bimanualInvolving both hands
- cross-dominancePreferring opposite limbs for tasks
manipulation
Underhanded control of others
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- agilityQuickness and ease
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
nimbleness · finesse · deftness · adroitness · proficiency · craftsmanship · manual skill · grip strength · finger control
heritability
Genetic share of variation
- geneHereditary information unit
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- polygenicInvolving numerous hereditary units
allele · chromosome · familial · twin studies · developmental · prenatal · biological · traits · variation · recessive
sinister
Threateningly suggestive of harm
forced conversion · reeducation · superstition · unlucky · auspicious
- body asymmetriesscoliosis, muscle imbalance, crooked nose
- Genetic Traitshair color, dark hair, skin color, dimples, blood type
- identityidentity, personal identity, self, selfhood, self-expression
- body traitsheight, weight, body shape, build, stature
- left and right symbolismdexter, sinister, sinistral, heraldry, laterality
- brain lateralitylaterality, brain lateralization, brain hemispheres, cross-dominance, sidedness
hand, handle, handy, handful, handwriting, handed, dexterity, left-handed, handkerchief