Definition of steric in English:
steric
adjective ˈstɪərɪkˈstɛrɪkˈstɪrɪk
Chemistry Relating to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, especially as it affects chemical reactions.
Example sentencesExamples
- This is purely a geometric effect, since these calculations do not use any energy functions other than those implicit in the steric interactions and the chemical bonds.
- This molecule has a structure that is twisted into the shape of a propeller with six blades because of steric interactions among its hydrogen atoms.
- The molecule quickly blossoms in size and, because of steric crowding, it adopts a three dimensional or spherical shape.
- In such a situation, the large additive will be excluded from solvating the gap between the protein molecules for steric reasons.
- In addition, this secondary amine presents some steric impediment by the glucose molecule from the terpenoid moiety.
Derivatives
adverb
Chemistry The influence of branching on the enzymatic stability of the compounds was investigated, as it is known that sterically hindered ester prodrugs are more stable toward enzymatic hydrolysis.
Example sentencesExamples
- Because the pore in most parts can sterically accommodate an ion with its hydration shell, the conformation was deemed open.
- In our calculations, however, the single x-ray snapshot was replaced by a variety of sterically consistent conformers that likely interconvert.
- The lower efficiency of surfactants with large headgroups can be understood as a steric effect, where a bulky headgroup sterically hinders the hydrophobic residues on the peptide from interacting with the micelle core.
- Cholesterol can also sterically block large molecules of fatty acyl chains, making the cell membrane less fluid, thus controlling the membrane fluidity.
Origin
Late 19th century: formed irregularly from Greek stereos 'solid' + -ic.