aliphatic

[ al-uh-fat-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. 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.

aliphatic

/ ˌælɪˈfætɪk /

adjective

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

aliphatic

/ ăl′ə-făt′ĭk /

1. 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.
2. Compare aromatic

Word History and Origins

Origin of aliphatic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aliphatic¹

C19: from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil

Example Sentences

"Thus, we attempted the simple introduction of aliphatic chains, which induce van der Waals interactions. These interactions can be effective for modulating the stacking structure of a material," adds Prof. Maeda.

From Science Daily

Hide glue creates joints weaker than wood, which may seem like a disadvantage compared with the stronger-than-wood joints made with yellow, or aliphatic, glue, which is more common in woodworking shops these days.

From Washington Post

The rest is chemically bound with hydrogen in either a grease-like form, known as aliphatic carbon, or as a gaseous version of naphthalene, the main chemical component of mothballs.

From The Guardian

Short-chain aliphatic compounds are elaborated by female monkeys in response to estradiol, and these are of consuming interest to the males.

From Literature

GLYCOLS, in organic chemistry, the generic name given to the aliphatic dihydric alcohols.

From Project Gutenberg