macrocyclic

comparative more macrocyclic · superlative most macrocyclic

1. chemistryOf an organic compound: having a closed ring of more than about twelve atoms.
2. chemistryOf or relating to a macrocycle.
3. biologyPertaining to a rust fungus whose life cycle includes all five spore stages: pycniospore (spermatium), aeciospore, urediniospore, teliospore, and basidiospore.

   Almost all the rusts occurring on the ferns are both heteroecious and macrocyclic; so also are most of those occurring on the conifers.

   1965, C. G. Ainsworth, Frederick K[roeber] Sparrow, Alfred S. Sussman, editors, The Fungi: An Advanced Treatise, volume IVB (A Taxonomic Review with Keys: Basidomycetes and Lower Fungi), New York, N.Y.; London: Academic Press, →ISBN, page 259