tricyclic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, scientific, medical.
Quick answer
What does “tricyclic” mean?
Having three rings or cycles in the molecular structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having three rings or cycles in the molecular structure.
A specific class of chemical compounds, notably antidepressants and other organic molecules, characterized by a three-ring molecular structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences between UK and US English. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Same connotations; heavily associated with pharmacology and psychiatry.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, restricted to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “tricyclic” in a Sentence
tricyclic + noun (e.g., tricyclic antidepressant)be + tricyclic (e.g., The compound is tricyclic.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tricyclic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient was switched to a tricyclic medication.
- This is a classic tricyclic structure in organic chemistry.
American English
- Amitriptyline is a well-known tricyclic antidepressant.
- The researcher synthesized a new tricyclic compound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used except in pharmaceutical company reports or patents.
Academic
Common in chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, and psychiatry papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; a non-specialist might encounter it in a medical context (e.g., a doctor discussing medication).
Technical
The primary domain of use. Refers precisely to a chemical structure or a class of pharmacologically active agents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tricyclic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tricyclic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tricyclic”
- Using 'tricyclic' to describe a three-wheeled vehicle (that's a 'tricycle').
- Assuming it is a general adjective for anything with three cycles.
- Mispronouncing the stress on the first syllable (/ˈtraɪ.saɪ.klɪk/ is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Tricycle' refers to a three-wheeled vehicle, while 'tricyclic' is a scientific term for a three-ringed molecular structure.
Yes, in technical contexts it can function as a countable noun (e.g., 'Tricyclics were a major advance in psychopharmacology.').
Common side effects can include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and weight gain. This is medical information; always consult a doctor.
The main difference is in the second vowel. British English tends to use /aɪ/ (as in 'eye'), while American English often uses /ɪ/ (as in 'sit') in the second syllable: /traɪˈsaɪ.klɪk/ vs. /traɪˈsɪ.klɪk/.
Having three rings or cycles in the molecular structure.
Tricyclic is usually technical, scientific, medical. in register.
Tricyclic: in British English it is pronounced /traɪˈsaɪ.klɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪˈsɪ.klɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'tricycle' with three wheels, then picture a chemical structure with three interlocking rings instead.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A SHAPE (the three-ring shape defines the chemical's properties).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'tricyclic' primarily used?