aliphatic

American  

[al-uh-fat-ik] / ˌæl əˈfæt ɪk /

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.

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aliphatic British  

/ ˌælɪˈfætɪk /

adjective

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

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aliphatic Scientific  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of aliphatic

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