cyclic

[ sahy-klik, sik-lik ]

adjective

1. revolving or recurring in cycles; characterized by recurrence in cycles.
2. of, relating to, or constituting a cycle or cycles.
3. Chemistry. of or relating to a compound that contains a closed chain or ring of atoms ( acyclic ).
4. Botany.
   1. arranged in whorls, as the parts of a flower.
   2. (of a flower) having the parts so arranged.
5. Mathematics.
   1. pertaining to an algebraic system in which all the elements of a group are powers of one element.
   2. (of a set of elements) arranged as if on a circle, so that the first element follows the last.

cyclic

/ ˈsɪklɪk; ˈsaɪklɪkəl; ˈsɪklɪkəl; ˈsaɪklɪk /

adjective

1. recurring or revolving in cycles
2. (of an organic compound) containing a closed saturated or unsaturated ring of atoms See also heterocyclic homocyclic
3. botany
   1. arranged in whorls

      cyclic petals

   2. having parts arranged in this way

      cyclic flowers

4. music of or relating to a musical form consisting of several movements sharing thematic material
5. geometry (of a polygon) having vertices that lie on a circle
6. (in generative grammar) denoting one of a set of transformational rules all of which must apply to a clause before any one of them applies to any clause in which the first clause is embedded

cyclic

/ sĭk′lĭk,sī′klĭk /

1. Occurring or moving in cycles.
2. Relating to a compound having atoms arranged in a ring or closed-chain structure. Benzene is a cyclic compound.
3. Having parts arranged in a whorl.

Derived Forms

• ˈcyclically, adverb

Other Words From

• cy·clic·i·ty [sahy-, klis, -i-tee], noun
• non·cyclic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclic¹

1785–95; < Latin cyclicus < Greek kyklikós circular. See cycle, -ic

Example Sentences

"Our eureka moment was when our first experiments showed it is possible to produce electricity in a cyclic rhythm and the precise linkage between this and the plant's inherent daily rhythm," Chakraborty said.

From Science Daily

Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene alcohol found in various plants, particularly in members of the mint family such as peppermint and spearmint.

From Science Daily

As the Earth's atmosphere was already supercharged with carbon dioxide from the large-scale volcanism, this cyclic modulation of the climate system repeatedly triggered forest dieback, allowing for the renewed spread of pioneer ferns.

From Science Daily

This gene, which regulates the cyclic expression of a wide range of genes, allowed the liver cells to develop synchronized circadian oscillations.

From Science Daily

PDE4B is an enzyme inside cells that breaks down a molecule known as cyclic AMP, which regulates a range of cellular processes.

From Science Daily