aliphatic

adjective al·i·phat·ic \ˌa-lə-ˈfa-tik\

Definition of ALIPHATIC

: of, relating to, or being an organic compound (as an alkane) having an open-chain structure — compare alicyclic, aromatic 2

Origin of ALIPHATIC

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil, from aleiphein to smear; perhaps akin to Greek lipos fat — more at leave

First Known Use: 1889

Medical Dictionary

aliphatic

adjective al·i·phat·ic \ˌal-ə-ˈfat-ik\

Medical Definition of ALIPHATIC

: of, relating to, or being an organic compound (as an alkane or alkene) having an open-chain structure—compare alicyclic, aromatic 2

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