heterocyclic

[ het-er-uh-sahy-klik, -sik-lik ]

/ ˌhɛt ər əˈsaɪ klɪk, -ˈsɪk lɪk /

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adjective Chemistry.

of or relating to the branch of chemistry dealing with cyclic compounds in which at least one of the ring members is not a carbon atom (contrasted with homocyclic).

noting such compounds, as ethylene oxide, C2H4O.

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Origin of heterocyclic

First recorded in 1895–1900; hetero- + cyclic

OTHER WORDS FROM heterocyclic

het·er·o·cy·cle

[het-er-uh-sahy-kuhl], /ˈhɛt ər əˌsaɪ kəl/, noun

Words nearby heterocyclic

heterochrony, heterochthonous, heterocladic anastomosis, heteroclite, heterocrine, heterocyclic, heterocyst, heterocytotropic, heterocytotropic antibody, heterodactyl, heterodactylous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use heterocyclic in a sentence

Carbocyclic rings will next be treated, benzene and its allies in some detail; and finally the heterocyclic nuclei.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1|Various

British Dictionary definitions for heterocyclic

heterocyclic

/ (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsaɪklɪk, -ˈsɪk-) /

adjective

(of an organic compound) containing a closed ring of atoms, at least one of which is not a carbon atomCompare homocyclic

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

Medical definitions for heterocyclic

heterocyclic

[ hĕt′ə-rō-sī′klĭk, -sĭk′lĭk ]

adj.

Containing more than one kind of atom joined in a ring.

Scientific definitions for heterocyclic

heterocyclic

[ hĕt′ə-rō-sī′klĭk, -sĭk′lĭk ]

Of or relating to a compound containing a closed ring structure made of more than one kind of atom. Pyridine (C5H5N), for example, is a heterocyclic compound, as its ring contains five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. Compare homocyclic.