cyclic

Happening repeatedly in the same order or at regular times.

• These changes are cyclic.
• The machine follows a cyclic pattern.
• Scientists studied cyclic changes in the lake's temperature.

Similar words: cyclical, periodic, recurring

Opposites: noncyclic

Common phrases: cyclic pattern, cyclic process, cyclic changes

Having atoms joined together in a ring.

• Benzene is a cyclic compound.
• The cyclic molecule contains six carbon atoms.
• They compared the properties of cyclic and open-chain compounds.

Opposites: acyclic

Common phrases: cyclic compound, cyclic molecule, cyclic structure

Having leaves or flower parts arranged in circles around a stem or central point.

• This plant has cyclic flowers.
• The petals have a cyclic arrangement.
• Students examined the cyclic structure of the flower.

Similar words: whorled

Common phrases: cyclic flower, cyclic arrangement, cyclic floral parts

Describing a mathematical group whose members can all be produced by repeatedly using one member.

• This group is cyclic.
• Every subgroup of a cyclic group is cyclic.
• They found a generator for the finite cyclic group.

Opposites: noncyclic

Common phrases: cyclic group, cyclic subgroup, finite cyclic group

A helicopter control that tilts the main blades to direct movement forwards, backwards, or sideways.

• The pilot moved the cyclic forward.
• Keep your hand on the cyclic.
• Small movements of the cyclic changed our direction.

Similar words: cyclic control, cyclic stick

Common phrases: move the cyclic, push the cyclic, cyclic control