heterocyclic

[ het-er-uh-sahy-klik, -sik-lik ]
/ ˌhɛt ər əˈsaɪ klɪk, -ˈsɪk lɪk /

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-kuh l] /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. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for heterocyclic

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.