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Aliphatic vs Cyclic - What's the difference?

aliphatic | cyclic |

As adjectives the difference between aliphatic and cyclic

is that aliphatic is (organic chemistry) of a class of organic compounds in which the carbon atoms are arranged in an open chain while cyclic is characterized by, or moving in cycles, or happening at regular intervals.

As a noun aliphatic

is a compound of this type.

aliphatic

English

Adjective

(-)
  • (organic chemistry) Of a class of organic compounds in which the carbon atoms are arranged in an open chain.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • A compound of this type.
  • (chiefly, in the plural) A petroleum fraction containing no aromatic compounds

    • See also

    * alicyclic * aromatic

    cyclic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Characterized by, or moving in cycles, or happening at regular intervals
    • The weather had a cyclic pattern of rain and sun.
  • (chemistry) Of a compound having chains of atoms arranged in a ring
    • Benzene and cyclohexane are both cyclic compounds.
  • (botany) Having parts arranged in a whorl
  • (mathematics, of a group) being generated by only one element
  • (geometry, of a polygon) able to be inscribed in a circle

    • Derived terms

    * cyclic chorus * cyclic poet