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.

Nearby words

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

Origin of heterocyclic

First recorded in 1895–1900; hetero- + cyclic

Related forms

het·er·o·cy·cle

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for heterocyclic

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

Medicine definitions for heterocyclic

heterocyclic

[ hĕt′ə-rō-sī′klĭk, -sĭk′lĭk ]

adj.

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

Science 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.