The left- and right-hand configurations of chiral molecules are dubbed enantiomers. Left-handed enantiomers are given the label S - for sinister in Latin - and the right-handed enantiomers are labeled R, for rectus. These labels indicate the absolute configuration of the molecule; i.e., they refer to the actual orientation in space of the substituents around the stereocenter. By placing R or S in front of the name of a molecule, its configuration can described without the aid of a three dimensional picture.