polycyclic
Americanadjective
adjective
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(of a molecule or compound) containing or having molecules that contain two or more closed rings of atoms
-
biology having two or more rings or whorls
polycyclic shells
a polycyclic stele
noun
Etymology
Origin of polycyclic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The organization also sampled 25 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organic compounds that form when oil, wood or garbage burns.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2025
The bright orange-colored streaks in the Webb near-infrared image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 11, 2024
After analyzing samples collected by the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 from both the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite, researchers determined that it contained an organic compound known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.
From Salon ● Dec. 22, 2023
Look at the longer wavelength version to examine the sculpted green clouds of gas that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2023
"Ah, a polycyclic ... complete coverage ... a screen of that type was scarcely to have been expected from such a low form of life," Nerado commented, and began to adjust dials and controls.
From Triplanetary by E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
