heterocyclic

adjective

het·​ero·​cy·​clic ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈsī-klik How to pronounce heterocyclic (audio)
-ˈsi-
: relating to, characterized by, or being a ring composed of atoms of more than one kind
heterocycle noun
heterocyclic noun

Examples of heterocyclic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Grilling meat of any kind leads to the formation of two separate families of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens): the heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 7 Dec. 2021 One group, called HAAs (heterocyclic aromatic amines), form during high-temperature reactions between substances in muscle tissue. Emily Sohn, chicagotribune.com, 7 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heterocyclic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterocyclic was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near heterocyclic

Cite this Entry

“Heterocyclic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterocyclic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

heterocyclic

1 of 2 adjective
het·​ero·​cy·​clic ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈsī-klik How to pronounce heterocyclic (audio) -ˈsik-lik How to pronounce heterocyclic (audio)
: relating to, characterized by, or being a ring composed of atoms of more than one kind
heterocyclic chemical compounds

heterocyclic

2 of 2 noun
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