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polycyclic

polycyclic

8.2
Having several stages that repeat over time
  • adjective
  • /ˌpɒliˈsaɪklɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : policíclico
  • The polycyclic nature of the ecosystem is fascinating.

Examples

  • The scientist studied a polycyclic process that repeated several times during the experiment.

  • Some diseases have a polycyclic pattern, with symptoms appearing in multiple stages.

  • Meteorologists observed a polycyclic weather system affecting the region over several months.

  • The term polycyclic is often used in environmental science.

  • Polycyclic compounds are often found in many natural substances, such as certain plant extracts.

  • Research on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons shows their impact on human health.

  • The polycyclic nature of the life cycle in certain amphibians allows them to adapt to environmental changes.

Synonyms

cyclical
vspolycyclic
28 5.1

Happening again and again at regular times

focuses on several cycles or stages rather than just regular recurrence
cyclic
vspolycyclic
5 4.8

Happens repeatedly in a regular pattern

involves multiple distinct cycles rather than a single repeating pattern
polyphasic
vspolycyclic
  • Specialized
4 8.8

Having several stages or parts

is about multiple cycles rather than different phase types

How Cyclic

polycyclic
  • Specialized
8.2
monocyclic
  • Specialized
9.0
acyclic
  • Specialized
8.8

Surface Forms

polycyclic positive

Morphology

polycyclic = cyclic (transparent) = poly + cycle + ic

The meaning is a straightforward combination of poly- 'many' and cyclic 'recurring in cycles'.

Etymology

Polycyclic comes from the parts poly meaning 'many' and cycle meaning 'a circle' or 'a repeated series'. So a polycyclic process has 'many' cycles or stages that happen again and again.