Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
-ic
-ic
.[L.
-icus
, Gr. [GREEK]: cf. F. -ique
.] 1.
A suffix signifying, in general, relating to, or characteristic of;
as, histor
ic
, hygienic
, telegraphic
, etc.2.
(Chem.)
A suffix, denoting that the element indicated enters into certain compounds with its highest valence, or with a valence relatively higher than in compounds where the name of the element ends in -ous;
as, ferr
. It is also used in the general sense of pertaining to; ic
, sulphuric
as, hydr
. ic
, sodic
, calcic
Definition 2024
-ic
-ic
See also: Appendix:Variations of "ic"
English
Alternative forms
- -ick (obsolete)
Suffix
-ic
- Used to form adjectives from nouns with the meaning "of or pertaining to";
- (chemistry) Used to denote certain chemical compounds in which a specified chemical element has a higher oxidation number than in the equivalent compound whose name ends in the suffix -ous. For example sulphuric acid (H2SO4) has more oxygen atoms per molecule than sulphurous acid (H2SO3).
Usage notes
The suffix -ic is often added to words of Greek or Latin origin, but may also be used with other words, and in some cases is even added (redundantly) to adjectives, as in veganic (from vegan).
Derived terms
<a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:English_words_suffixed_with_-ic'>English words suffixed with -ic</a>
Related terms
Translations
Note: these translations are a guide only. For more precise translations, see individual words ending in -ic
See also
Catalan
Etymology 1
Suffix
-ic m (feminine -ica)
- -ic (of or pertaining to)
Suffix
-ic m
Etymology 2
From Latin -iccus.
Suffix
-ic m
- Used to form diminutive nouns.
Derived terms
<a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Catalan_words_suffixed_with_-ic'>Catalan words suffixed with -ic</a>