a. [f. Gr. τρι-, TRI- + κύκλος circle + -IC.]
1. Bot. Arranged in three whorls.
1900. in B. D. Jackson, Gloss. Bot. Terms.
2. Chem. Of a carbon compound: Having three rings or closed chains of atoms in its structural formula; e.g., phenanthrene. (Ger. tricyklisch.).
1891. Jrnl. Chem. Soc., LX. 1258. The two best known tricyclic compounds, anthracene and phenanthrene.