Definition

Relating to a specific area or neighborhood; local, or referring to adjacent positions in a chemical structure.

Example

The vicinal groups on the benzene ring influence its chemical properties.

Conversation

I read an article about vicinal compounds in chemistry today.

Oh really? What did it say?

It explained how they relate to the positions of elements on a benzene ring.

That sounds interesting! I never knew chemistry could be so detailed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vicinal → It is formed from "vicinus" (meaning neighboring) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "vicinal" refers to something that is pertaining to or characteristic of neighbors or neighboring areas.

Memory Tip

Think of 'neighboring' ('vicinus') to remember that 'vicinal' means related to neighbors or nearby places.

Visually Confused Words