aromaticity
|a-ro-mat-ic-i-ty|
/ˌærəˈmætɪsɪti/
quality of smell; ring-stability in chemistry
Etymology
'aromaticity' originates from English formation using the adjective 'aromatic' + the noun-forming suffix '-ity', ultimately used to form an abstract noun meaning 'the state or quality of being aromatic'.
'aromaticity' developed from the adjective 'aromatic', which came into English from French 'aromatique' (or Medieval Latin 'aromaticus'), itself from Greek 'ἀρωματικός' (arōmatikos) related to 'ἄρωμα' (arōma, 'spice, sweet smell').
Initially related to 'aroma' meaning 'pleasant smell' in everyday language; later (19th–20th century) a specialized chemical sense developed describing a specific electronic and stability property of certain cyclic compounds.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in chemistry: the property of a cyclic (ring) molecule with a conjugated π-electron system that gives it extra stability and characteristic electronic behavior (as in benzene).
The aromaticity of benzene accounts for its unusual stability compared with non‑cyclic analogs.
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Noun 2
the quality or state of having a pleasant or distinctive smell; the degree to which something is aromatic or fragrant.
The aromaticity of the herbs filled the kitchen.
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Last updated: 2025/10/17 21:52