Definition

Describing a chemical structure that has a large ring made up of more than twelve atoms.

Example

The researchers synthesized a macrocyclic compound that showed promising results in drug delivery.

Conversation

Have you heard about those macrocyclic compounds scientists are working on?

Yeah, I read something about them; they seem really interesting!

It's fascinating how they can form closed rings with so many atoms.

Definitely! I can see how they could be useful in various applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Macrocyclic → It is formed from "macro-" (from Greek "makros", meaning large) and "cyclic" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning circle or ring). The word describes a structure that is large and circular or ring-shaped.

Memory Tip

Think of 'large' ('macro-') and 'circle' ('cyclic') to remember that 'macrocyclic' refers to a large ring structure.

Visually Confused Words