online vocabulary.com

Heterocyclic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Heterocyclic refers to a type of organic compound where the molecular structure includes at least one ring made up of atoms of different elements, typically carbon and nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. These compounds are common in pharmaceuticals and biologic

heterocyclic

/ˌhɛtəroʊˈsaɪklɪk/ /ˌhɛtərəʊˈsaɪklɪk/

Definition:

Relating to or denoting a compound whose molecule contains a ring of atoms of at least two different elements.

Synonyms:

cyclic compound, ring compound, heteroatomic ring

Part of Speech:

adjective, noun

Antonyms:

acyclic, noncyclic

Common Collocations:

heterocyclic compounds, heterocyclic chemistry, heterocyclic synthesis

Derivatives:

heterocycle, heterocyclicity

Usage Tips:

Use "heterocyclic" to describe organic compounds with rings containing multiple elements, often in chemistry contexts.

Common Phrases:

heterocyclic aromatic amine, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic, oxygen heterocycle

Etymology:

From Greek "heteros" (different) + "kyklos" (circle), referring to rings with varied atoms.

Examples:

  • 1. The chemist synthesized a new heterocyclic compound in the lab.
  • 2. Heterocyclic molecules are common in many pharmaceutical drugs.
  • 3. This reaction forms a stable heterocyclic ring structure.
  • 4. Students studied the properties of heterocyclic amines in class.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS