ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ortho

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɔɹˌθoʊ// or·tho Archaic

adj. describing a chemical where two parts are attached to atoms right next to each other in a ring. It is a technical term used mostly by scientists.

adj. relating to or denoting a benzene derivative in which two substituents are attached to adjacent carbon atoms in the ring. Often used as a prefix in chemical nomenclature.


SIMPLE

The scientist studied the ortho form of the compound.

CONTEXTUAL

In organic chemistry, the ortho position refers to the 1,2-relationship between two functional groups on a benzene ring.

COMPLEX

The reaction yielded a mixture of isomers, but the ortho product predominated due to the specific electronic effects of the starting material.

Usage

Typically used as a prefix or a modifier in technical scientific contexts; often italicized in formal chemical writing.

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