aliphatic

 
Pronunciation: /ˌalɪˈfatɪk/
Chemistry

adjective

  • relating to or denoting organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains (as in the alkanes), not aromatic rings.

noun

  • an aliphatic compound.

Origin:

late 19th century (originally used of the fatty acids): from Greek aleiphar, aleiphat- 'fat' + -ic