aliphatic
Americanadjective
adjective
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Relating to organic compounds whose carbon atoms are linked in open chains, either straight or branched, rather than containing a benzene ring. Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are aliphatic compounds.
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Compare aromatic
Etymology
Origin of aliphatic
1885–90; < Greek aleiphat- (stem of áleiphar oil, fat) + -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One type contains high amounts of aliphatic organic compounds, which are simple carbon-based molecules made of chains of carbon and hydrogen.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 31, 2026
"Thus, we attempted the simple introduction of aliphatic chains, which induce van der Waals interactions. These interactions can be effective for modulating the stacking structure of a material," adds Prof. Maeda.
From Science Daily ● May 23, 2024
Pigment Violet 29, cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster, methylene chloride, n-methylpyrrolidone, perchloroethylene — reached similar conclusions of widespread “unreasonable risks,” as did one completed during the Trump administration for asbestos.
From New York Times ● Mar. 16, 2023
Some hydrocarbons have both aliphatic and aromatic portions; beta-carotene is an example of such a hydrocarbon.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
The simplest aliphatic compounds, such as diazo-methane, diazo-ethane, and azo-formic acid, are yellow; the diamide of the latter acid is orange-red.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various
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