polycyclic

[ pol-ee-sahy-klik, -sik-lik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. pertaining to an organic compound containing several atomic rings, usually fused.

polycyclic

/ ˌpɒlɪˈsaɪklɪk /

adjective

1. (of a molecule or compound) containing or having molecules that contain two or more closed rings of atoms
2. biology having two or more rings or whorls

   a polycyclic stele

   polycyclic shells

noun

1. a polycyclic compound

   anthracene is a polycyclic

polycyclic

/ pŏl′ĭ-sī′klĭk,-sĭk′lĭk /

1. Having two or more atomic rings in a molecule. Steroids are polycyclic compounds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polycyclic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; poly- + cyclic

Example Sentences

Not surprisingly, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be found in coal, oil and even food.

From Popular-Science

The by-products of all this rampant combustion are smelly compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

From Popular-Science

Of particular concern was a smaller class of particle pollution known as PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

From ProPublica

That must be that polycyclic screen that Conway reported on.

From Project Gutenberg

"That must be that sixth-phase polycyclic screen that Conway reported on," Cleveland frowned in thought.

From Project Gutenberg

Pierced Roger's polycyclic screen; exposed the bare metal of Roger's walls!

From Project Gutenberg