aliphatic
adjective
al·i·phat·ic ˌa-lə-ˈfa-tik 
: of, relating to, or being an organic compound (such as an alkane) having an open-chain structure compare alicyclic, aromatic sense 2
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Hide glue creates joints weaker than wood, which may seem like a disadvantage compared with the stronger-than-wood joints made with yellow, or aliphatic, glue, which is more common in woodworking shops these days. 
Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2020 On earth, propane and butane are examples of aliphatic carbon compounds. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 28 June 2018 One is a bond that resembles a mothball, called aromatic carbon, while the other resembles grease and is called aliphatic. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 28 June 2018 The result of this careful analysis is that scientists have conclusively found thiophenic, aromatic, and aliphatic organic compounds on Mars. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 June 2018 The signature Dawn spotted appears to be one of aliphatic organic matter— Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 17 Feb. 2017
Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2020 On earth, propane and butane are examples of aliphatic carbon compounds. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 28 June 2018 One is a bond that resembles a mothball, called aromatic carbon, while the other resembles grease and is called aliphatic. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 28 June 2018 The result of this careful analysis is that scientists have conclusively found thiophenic, aromatic, and aliphatic organic compounds on Mars. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 June 2018 The signature Dawn spotted appears to be one of aliphatic organic matter— Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 17 Feb. 2017 Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil, from aleiphein to smear; perhaps akin to Greek lipos fat — more at leave
First Known Use
1882, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
aliphatic
adjective
al·i·phat·ic ˌal-ə-ˈfat-ik
: of, relating to, or being an organic compound (as an alkane or alkene) having an open-chain structure compare alicyclic, aromatic entry 1 sense 2