An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

A combining form meaning "left" and "counterclockwise," used in the formation of compound words, such as → levorotation, levocardia, levoglucose, etc. The variant lev- occurs before vowels. Compare → dextro-.

From L. laevo-, from laevus, cf. Gk. laios, Russ. levyj, + epenthetic vowel -o-.

Cap-, from cap "left," of unknown etymology.