steric

adjective

ste·​ric ˈster-ik  ˈstir- 

: relating to or involving the arrangement of atoms in space : spatial

sterically

ˈster-i-k(ə-)lē 

ˈstir-

adverb

Examples of steric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These mutations use a combination of steric hindrance, electrostatic contact remodeling, abrogating electrostatic interactions, and so on. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022

Evidence suggests that accumulation of ice on the Antarctic continent has been offsetting the steric effect for at least several centuries. — Fred Singer, WSJ, 15 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary stere- + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for steric

• cleric
• derrick
• eric
• ferric
• xeric
• allosteric
• amphoteric
• anomeric
• atmospheric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric

Medical Definition

steric

adjective

ste·​ric ˈster-ik  ˈstir- 

: relating to or involving the arrangement of atoms in space

sterically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb