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.

Origin of heterocyclic

First recorded in 1895–1900; hetero- + cyclic

OTHER WORDS FROM heterocyclic

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

Words nearby heterocyclic

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

Example sentences from the Web for heterocyclic

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 atom Compare homocyclic

Medical definitions for heterocyclic

heterocyclic
[ hĕt′ə-rō-sī′klĭk, -sĭk′lĭk ]

adj.

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

Scientific 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.