dl- \(ˈ)dē|el\prefix Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary d- + l- 1.alsod,l-: consisting of equal amounts of the dextro and levo forms of a specified compound — usually printed in italic < dl-tartaric acid > — compare racemic 2.: consisting of equal amounts of the d- and l- forms of a specified compound — usually printed as small capitals < dl-fructose > — compare racemic