[al-uh-fat-ik] 
| pertaining to nonaromatic hydrocarbon compounds in which the constituent carbon atoms can be straight-chain, branched chain, or cyclic, as in alicyclic compounds; saturated, as in the paraffins; or unsaturated, as in the olefins and alkynes. |
| al·i·phat·ic (āl'ə-fāt'ĭk) adj. Of, relating to, or designating a group of organic chemical compounds in which the carbon atoms are linked in open chains. [From Greek aleiphar, aleiphat-, oil, from aleiphein, to anoint with oil; see leip- in Indo-European roots.] |
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. |
əˈfæt