Category:-ic

-ic. Etym: [L. -icus, Gr. ique.]

1. A suffix signifying, in general, relating to, or characteristic of; as, historic, hygienic, telegraphic, etc.

2. (Chem.)

Defn: 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, ferric, sulphuric. It is also used in the general sense of pertaining to; as, hydric, sodic, calcic.