steric

[ ster-ik, steer- ]
/ ˈstɛr ɪk, ˈstɪər- /

adjective Chemistry.

of or relating to the spatial relationships of atoms in a molecule.

QUIZZES

HEED THE VOX POPULI, AND TAKE THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

Test your memory on these verbal firecrackers from the week of June 29 to July 5!
Question 1 of 7
anchorite
a granular metamorphic rock.
a person who has retired to a solitary place for a life of religious seclusion.
a hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT
Sometimes ster·i·cal.

Origin of steric

First recorded in 1895–1900; ster(eo)- + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM steric

ster·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby steric

stereotropism, stereotype, stereotyped, stereotypy, stereovision, steric, steric hindrance, sterigma, sterilant, sterile, sterile cyst
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for sterically

steric

sterical

/ (ˈstɛrɪk, ˈstɪər-) /

adjective

chem of, concerned with, or caused by the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule

Derived forms of steric

sterically, adverb

Word Origin for steric

C19: from stereo- + -ic
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 sterically

steric
[ stĕr′ĭk ]

n.

Of or relating to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule; stereochemical.

Other words from steric

ster′i•cal•ly adv.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.