acyclic

/eɪˈsaɪklɪk/

Definitions of acyclic

1. adjective

   not cyclic; especially having parts arranged in spirals rather than whorls
   antonyms:

   cyclic

   forming a whorl or having parts arranged in a whorl

   verticillate, verticillated, whorled

   forming one or more whorls (especially a whorl of leaves around a stem)
2. adjective

   having an open chain structure
   synonyms: open-chain

   aliphatic

   having carbon atoms linked in open chains

   antonyms:

   cyclic

   of a compound having atoms arranged in a ring structure

   bicyclic

   having molecules consisting of two fused rings

   closed-chain, closed-ring

   having atoms linked by bonds represented in circular or triangular form

   heterocyclic

   containing a closed ring of atoms of which at least one is not a carbon atom

   homocyclic, isocyclic

   containing a closed ring of atoms of the same kind especially carbon atoms