- -ic
- -ic -ic [L. -icus, Gr. ?: cf. F. -ique.]
1. A suffix signifying, in general, relating to, or
characteristic of; as, historic, hygienic, telegraphic,
etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) 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. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.