aliphatic

[ al-uh-fat-ik ]

/ ˌæl əˈfæt ɪk /

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.

Nearby words

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for aliphatic

The azo-group is particularly active, both the aliphatic and aromatic compounds being coloured.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1|Various
Carbohydrates are classed as open-chain compounds, that is, they may be regarded as derivatives of the aliphatic hydrocarbons.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
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

They are compounds which greatly resemble the mixed ethers of the aliphatic series.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for aliphatic

aliphatic

/ (ˌælɪˈfætɪk) /

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

Medicine definitions for aliphatic

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.

Science definitions for aliphatic

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.