An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

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-.

Etymology (EN): From L. laevo-, from laevus, cf. Gk. laios, Russ. levyj,

• epenthetic vowel -o-.

Etymology (PE): Cap-, from cap “left,” of unknown etymology.