aliphatic

[ al-uh-fat-ik ]
/ ˌæl əˈfæt ɪk /

adjective Chemistry.

pertaining to nonaromatic hydrocarbon compounds in which the constituent carbon atoms can be straight-chain, branched chain, or cyclic, as in alicyclic compounds; saturated, as in the paraffins; or unsaturated, as in the olefins and alkynes.

Origin of aliphatic

1885–90; < Greek aleiphat- (stem of áleiphar oil, fat) + -ic

Example sentences from the Web for aliphatic

British Dictionary definitions for aliphatic

aliphatic
/ (ˌælɪˈfætɪk) /

adjective

(of an organic compound) not aromatic, esp having an open chain structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes

Word Origin for aliphatic

C19: from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil

Medical definitions for aliphatic

aliphatic
[ ăl′ə-fătĭk ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or being a group of organic chemical compounds in which the carbon atoms are linked in open chains.

Scientific definitions for aliphatic

aliphatic
[ ăl′ə-fătĭk ]

Relating to organic compounds whose carbon atoms are linked in open chains, either straight or branched, rather than containing a benzene ring. Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are aliphatic compounds. Compare aromatic.