handedness
noun
hand·ed·ness
| \ ˈhan-dəd-nəs
\
\
Definition of handedness
1
: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2a
: the property of an object (such as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image : chirality
b
: either of the two configurations of an object that may exist in forms which are nonidentical mirror images
Examples of handedness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His columns were alternately praised for their eclecticism and criticized for their ham-handedness. — Adam Rasmi, Quartz, "The UK’s new prime minister has a resume that would make anyone think twice," 23 July 2019 Accused by some of heavy-handedness in his staging techniques, Zeffirelli fought frequent verbal battles with others in Italian theater. — Washington Post, "“Romeo and Juliet” director Franco Zeffirelli dies at 96," 15 June 2019 The announcement comes at the end of a week that has seen the force accused of heavy-handedness. — Rob Picheta, CNN, "Autistic Londoners issued with 'autism alert' cards by police," 12 July 2019 Matsuno agrees that myosins are likely causing cell handedness. — Tim Vernimmen, Quanta Magazine, "How Life Turns Asymmetric," 31 Jan. 2017 Small-city mayors and representatives criticized the governor for heavy-handedness and for imposing a one-size-fits-all policy on the state. — James Sutton, National Review, "The California Housing Crisis and the Problem with Local Control," 19 June 2019 With several players putting up strong splits against lefties then not performing as well against right-handers, handedness has also factored into the decision. — Nathan Ruiz, baltimoresun.com, "In Orioles’ 65th game, manager Brandon Hyde reuses lineup for first time," 9 June 2019 The film—the first for both Fails and Talbot—is not without moments of youthful heavy-handedness. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, "“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and the Fear of Being Erased," 7 June 2019 The better long-term approach for the United States happily joins self-interest to open-handedness. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Invest in the Neighborhood," 4 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'handedness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for handedness
handedness
noun
hand·ed·ness
| \ -nəs
\
\
Medical Definition of handedness
1
: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2
: the property of an object (as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image
3
: the property of having either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion (as the corkscrew movement of some microorganisms or their flagella or cilia)