tricyclic

[ trahy-sahy-klik, -sik-lik ]
/ traɪˈsaɪ klɪk, -ˈsɪk lɪk /

adjective

pertaining to or embodying three cycles.

noun

Also called tricyclic antidepressant. Pharmacology. any of a group of pharmacologically active substances, as imipramine, that share a common three-ring structure, used to treat depression and cocaine abuse.

Origin of tricyclic

First recorded in 1890–95; tri- + cyclic

Words nearby tricyclic

tricuspid stenosis, tricuspid valve, tricuspidate, tricyanic acid, tricycle, tricyclic, tricyclic antidepressant, trid., tridacna, tridactyl, tridarn cupboard

British Dictionary definitions for tricyclic antidepressant

tricyclic
/ (traɪˈsaɪklɪk) /

adjective

(of a chemical compound) containing three rings in the molecular structure

noun

an antidepressant drug having a tricyclic molecular structure

Medical definitions for tricyclic antidepressant

tricyclic antidepressant
[ trī-sī′klĭk, -sĭk′lĭk ]

n.

Any of a class of antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, that are structurally related to the phenothiazine antipsychotics.

Scientific definitions for tricyclic antidepressant

tricyclic
[ trī-sī′klĭk, -sĭk′lĭk ]

Relating to a chemical compound having three closed rings. Anthracene is a tricyclic hydrocarbon.
Relating to a class of drugs used to treat depression and having a tricyclic chemical structure consisting of two benzene rings fused to opposite sides of a seven-member ring. The seven-member ring consists of six carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. Tricyclic antidepressants enhance the activity of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake by the cells that secrete them.
Composed of or arranged in three distinct whorls, as the petals of a flower.