Definition

A type of chemical compound that is a cyclic structure with multiple hydroxyl (OH) groups attached to different carbon atoms.

Example

Cyclitols are important in various biological processes and can be found in many plants.

Conversation

I was reading about cyclitol the other day.

Oh really? What is it exactly?

It's a type of compound with multiple hydroxyl groups.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how it's used in science.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cyclitol is formed from "cyclo-" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning circle) and "itol" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote sugar alcohols). The word refers to a cyclic sugar alcohol, indicating its circular structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'circle' ('cyclo-') to remember that 'cyclitol' refers to a sugar alcohol with a circular structure.

Visually Confused Words