aliphatic

adjective Chemistry.

1. 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.

adjective

1. (of an organic compound) not aromatic, esp having an open chain structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or being a group of organic chemical compounds in which the carbon atoms are linked in open chains.

1. 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.