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

The process produces hazardous waste and releases carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are toxic at very low concentrations.

From Salon

Other research included in the new review has shown that wildfires can double the soil concentration of a group of toxic chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can induce chemical reactions that inhibit revegetation.

From Science Daily

The bright orange-colored streaks in the Webb near-infrared image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.

From Science Daily

The methods to process and cure ham may involve smoking, which can produce compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

From Salon

After analyzing samples collected by the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 from both the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite, researchers determined that it contained an organic compound known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.

From Salon