aliphatic al·i·phat·ic (āl'ə-fāt'ĭk)
adj.
Of, relating to, or being a group of organic chemical compounds in which the carbon atoms are linked in open chains.
aliphatic (āl'ə-fāt'ĭk) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) Relating to organic compounds whose carbon atoms are linked in open chains, either straight or branched, rather than containing a benzene ring. Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are aliphatic compounds. Compare aromatic. |