side chain

noun

Definition of side chain

: a shorter chain or group of atoms attached to a principal chain or to a ring in a molecule

Examples of side chain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The alkyl side chain is the driving force behind a cannabinoid's effects on humans. — Kristen Rogers, CNN, 3 Feb. 2020 At that resolution, the researchers could make out the side chains of the virus’s proteins, which had been difficult to see in earlier images by other groups. — Jaclyn Jeffrey-wilensky, STAT, 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'side chain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near side chain

side chain

side-chain theory

Statistics for side chain

Cite this Entry

“Side chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20chain. Accessed 28 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for side chain

side chain

noun

Medical Definition of side chain

: a branched chain of atoms attached to the principal chain or to a ring in a molecule

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