side chain

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an open chain of atoms attached to an atom of a larger chain, or to a ring.

side chain

noun

1. chem a group of atoms bound to an atom, usually a carbon, that forms part of a larger chain or ring in a molecule

side chain

/ sīd /

1. A chain or ring in an organic molecule that branches off from a central structure or from a part that is a point of reference.

Word History and Origins

Origin of side chain¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The writer may be permitted to illustrate by a special case his reason for declining to accept Ehrlichs side-chain theory.

From Project Gutenberg

The formation of antibodies has even been explained on this basis by Weiggert and Ehrlich in their side-chain theory.

From Project Gutenberg