tricyclicadj.n.
/trʌɪˈsɪklɪk/, /trʌɪˈsʌɪklɪk/, U.S. /ˌtraɪˈsaɪklɪk/, /ˌtraɪˈsɪklɪk/ 1. Botany. Arranged in three whorls.
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the world > plants > part of plant > (defined by) distribution, arrangement, or position > [adjective] > in verticil or whorl (of arrangement) > arranged in verticil or whorl > arranged in number of whorls
bicyclic1880
monocyclic1882
tricyclic1900
1900 in B. D. Jackson Gloss. Bot. Terms
2. Chemistry.
a. Of a carbon compound: Having three rings or closed chains of atoms in its structural formula; e.g. phenanthrene. (German tricyklisch.)
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the world > matter > chemistry > organic chemistry > [adjective] > organic structure > cyclic or ring compounds > tricyclic
tricyclic1891
1891 Jrnl. Chem. Soc. 60 1258 The two best known tricyclic compounds, anthracene and phenanthrene.
b. spec. in Pharmacology, designating or pertaining to a group of antidepressant drugs based upon a molecular structure of three fused rings; also as n.
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the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > medicines for specific purpose > medicine for mental conditions > [adjective] > antidepressant > type of
tricyclic1966
1966 Internat. Jrnl. Neuropharmacol. 5 299 (heading) Association between biochemical and behavioral actions of tricyclic antidepressants.
1972 Daily Tel. 4 Mar. 32/3 He said pregnant women should steer clear of all drugs if possible, particularly drugs known as tricyclic anti~depressants.
1973 Sci. Amer. Sept. 121/2 The chemical structures of these two classes of antidepressants—the monamine oxidase inhibitors and the tricyclics—are quite different.
1980 J. Wainwright Man of Law i. 18 I suggested..a good tricyclic antidepressant.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.1891