Word Study
ortho-
CIDE DICTIONARY
ortho-, pref. [Gr. 'orqo`s straight; akin to Skr. upright, v to grow, to cause to grow.].
- A combining form signifying
straight ,right ,upright ,correct ,regular ; as, orthodromy, orthodiagonal, orthodox, orthographic. [1913 Webster] - A combining form (also used adjectively) [1913 Webster]" In the graphic representation of the benzene nucleus (see
Benzene nucleus , underBenzene ), provisionally adopted, any substance exhibiting double substitution in adjacent and contiguous carbon atoms, as 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 4 & 5, etc., is designated byortho- ; as,ortho xylene; any substance exhibiting substitution of two carbon atoms with one intervening, as 1 & 3, 2 & 4, 3 & 5, 4 & 6, etc., by meta-; as, resorcin or metaxylene; any substance exhibiting substitution in opposite parts, as 1 & 4, 2 & 5, 3 & 6, by para-; as, hydroquinone or paraxylene." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ortho-, comb. form 1 a straight, rectangular, upright. b right, correct.
2 Chem. a relating to two adjacent carbon atoms in a benzene ring. b relating to acids and salts (e.g. orthophosphates) giving meta- compounds on removal of water.
2 Chem. a relating to two adjacent carbon atoms in a benzene ring. b relating to acids and salts (e.g. orthophosphates) giving meta- compounds on removal of water.
Etymology
Gk orthos straight
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