lactam

[ lak-tam ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a group of cyclic amides characterized by the NHCO group, derived from aminocarboxylic acids by the intramolecular elimination of water from the amino and carboxylic groups.

lactam

/ ˈlæktæm /

noun

1. chem any of a group of inner amides, derived from amino acids, having the characteristic group -CONH-

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactam¹

First recorded in 1880–85; lact(one) + am(ide)

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactam¹

C20: from lact ( one ) + am ( ide )