Azyklischer

Azyklischer is an adjective in German that denotes the absence of cycles. It is used to describe objects, structures, or processes that do not contain closed loops. The term derives from the German prefix a- (negation) and the root kyklos (circle). The masculine singular nominative form is azyklischer, as in ein azyklischer Graph; the feminine and neuter forms follow standard German declension.

In chemistry, azyklisch (or sometimes azyklisch/acyklisch in varying spellings) describes open-chain compounds that lack ring structures. Azyklische Verbindungen include many aliphatic hydrocarbons such as alkanes and open-chain alkenes, in contrast to zyklische (cyclic) compounds like cyclohexan. The distinction helps convey differences in properties related to ring strain, stability, and reactivity.

In mathematics and computer science, azyklische graphs are graphs that contain no cycles. This property is central to concepts such as trees and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), which enable topological ordering and conflict-free scheduling. The term also appears in biology and biochemistry to describe linear, non-cyclic forms, such as acyclic peptides, in contrast to cyclic peptides.

Usage notes: azyklischer agrees with the gender and case of the noun it modifies, e.g., ein azyklischer Graph, eine azyklische Struktur, ein azyklisches Molekül. The word is predominantly used in scientific and technical contexts, where it contrasts with zyklisch or zyklische Formen.