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

Examples of aliphatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Garlic contains aliphatic sulfites, like an onion does. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2022 Some of them are organic — aliphatic and aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, alcohols. Sarah Scoles, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2015

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German aliphatisch, from Greek aleiphat-, áleiphar "oil, unguent, fat" (derivative of aleíphein "to anoint, rub with oil, smear," of uncertain origin) + German -isch -ish

Note: The term was apparently introduced by the German chemist August Wilhelm Hofmann (1818-92) no later than 1879, though the place of its first publication could not be found. — Traditionally Greek aleíphein has been linked to lípos "fat, oil," though the initial laryngeal and aspirate stop that must be assumed for aleíphein do not make lípos directly comparable.

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aliphatic was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near aliphatic

Cite this Entry

“Aliphatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aliphatic. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

aliphatic

adjective
: of, relating to, or being an organic compound (as an alkane or alkene) having an open-chain structure compare alicyclic, aromatic entry 1 sense 2
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