Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Occurring in cycles; recurring at regular intervals: Describes something that happens in a repeating sequence or pattern over time.
   • Of or relating to a cycle: Pertaining to a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order.
   • Chemistry: Having atoms arranged in a ring structure: Describes a compound whose molecular structure forms a closed ring.
   • Botany: Forming a whorl or having parts arranged in a whorl: Describes plant parts (like petals or leaves) arranged in a circle around a central point.
   • Thermodynamics: Conforming to the Carnot cycle: Relating to a theoretical ideal heat-engine cycle.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage (Recurring):
  • The economy experiences cyclic periods of growth and recession.
  • Her mood swings were cyclic, following a predictable monthly pattern.
• Scientific/Chemical Usage:
  • Benzene is a classic example of a cyclic hydrocarbon.
  • The chemist studied the stability of the cyclic compound.
• Botanical Usage:
  • The botanist noted the plant's cyclic arrangement of five petals.
• Technical/Thermodynamic Usage:
  • The engine's efficiency was calculated based on a cyclic process.

Advanced Usage

• "Cyclic redundancy check (CRC)": In computing, a type of algorithm used for error detection in digital networks and storage devices.
  • The data transmission protocol uses a cyclic redundancy check to ensure integrity.
• "Cyclic model": In cosmology, a theory that the universe undergoes endless cycles of expansion and contraction.
  • Some physicists support the cyclic model of the universe.

Variants and Related Words

• Cyclical (adj): Often used interchangeably with 'cyclic', especially for patterns over time.
  • The stock market is subject to cyclical fluctuations.
• Cycle (n): A series of events that are regularly repeated.
  • The water cycle is essential for life on Earth.
• Acyclic (adj): Not cyclic; not forming a cycle or ring.
  • An acyclic graph has no closed loops.

Synonyms

• Recurrent: Occurring often or repeatedly.
• Periodic: Appearing or occurring at regular intervals.
• Recurring: Happening again, especially at regular intervals.
• Circular: Having the form of a circle (for structure).

Antonyms

• Linear: Arranged in or extending along a straight line; sequential and non-repeating.
• Random: Made, done, or happening without method or conscious decision; not cyclic.
• Aperiodic: Not periodic; irregular.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Cyclic process: A process in which a system returns to its original state after a sequence of changes.
  • Refrigeration relies on a cyclic process of compression and expansion.
• Cyclic group: In mathematics, a group that can be generated by a single element.
  • The set of integers under addition is an infinite cyclic group.

Adjective

1. marked by repeated cycles
2. recurring in cycles
3. of a compound having atoms arranged in a ring structure
4. forming a whorl or having parts arranged in a whorl
   • cyclic petals
   • cyclic flowers
5. conforming to the Carnot cycle