heterocyclic

[ het-er-uh-sahy-klik, -sik-lik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. of or relating to the branch of chemistry dealing with cyclic compounds in which at least one of the ring members is not a carbon atom ( homocyclic ).
2. noting such compounds, as ethylene oxide, C 2 H 4 O.

heterocyclic

/ ˌhɛtərəʊˈsaɪklɪk; -ˈsɪk- /

adjective

1. See homocyclic
   (of an organic compound) containing a closed ring of atoms, at least one of which is not a carbon atom Compare homocyclic

heterocyclic

/ hĕt′ə-rō-sī′klĭk,-sĭk′lĭk /

1. Of or relating to a compound containing a closed ring structure made of more than one kind of atom. Pyridine (C 5 H 5 N), for example, is a heterocyclic compound, as its ring contains five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom.
2. Compare homocyclic

Other Words From

• het·er·o·cy·cle [het, -er-, uh, -sahy-k, uh, l], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterocyclic¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; hetero- + cyclic

Example Sentences

Carbocyclic rings will next be treated, benzene and its allies in some detail; and finally the heterocyclic nuclei.

From Project Gutenberg