: a shorter chain or group of atoms attached to a principal chain or to a ring in a molecule
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe alkyl side chain is the driving force behind a cannabinoid's effects on humans. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 3 Feb. 2020 At that resolution, the researchers could make out the side chains of the virus’s proteins, which had been difficult to see in earlier images by other groups. Jaclyn Jeffrey-wilensky, STAT, 26 June 2018
Word History
First Known Use
1873, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
side chain
noun
: a branched chain of atoms attached to the principal chain or to a ring in a molecule