aliphatic

[al-uh-fat-ik]

adjective Chemistry.

pertaining to nonaromatic hydrocarbon compounds in which the constituent carbon atoms can be straight-chain, branched chain, or cyclic, as in alicyclic compounds; saturated, as in the paraffins; or unsaturated, as in the olefins and alkynes.

Origin of aliphatic

1885–90; < Greek aleiphat- (stem of áleiphar oil, fat) + -ic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for aliphatic

Historical Examples of aliphatic

These observations may be summarized by saying that the benzene nucleus is more negative in character than the aliphatic residues.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1
Various
As before, only true ring nuclei, and not internal anhydrides of aliphatic compounds, will be mentioned.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1
Various
The azo-group is particularly active, both the aliphatic and aromatic compounds being coloured.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1
Various
They are compounds which greatly resemble the mixed ethers of the aliphatic series.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3
Various
What are commonly known as "fruity" odors belong mostly to what the chemist calls the fatty or aliphatic series.
Creative Chemistry
Edwin E. Slosson

British Dictionary definitions for aliphatic

aliphatic

adjective

(of an organic compound) not aromatic, esp having an open chain structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes

Word Origin for aliphatic

C19: from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

aliphatic in Medicine

aliphatic

[ăl′ə-făt′ĭk]

adj.

Of, relating to, or being a group of organic chemical compounds in which the carbon atoms are linked in open chains.

aliphatic in Science

aliphatic

[ăl′ə-făt′ĭk]

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. Compare aromatic.