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Cyclic

adjectivePronunciation: /ˈsaɪ.klɪk/

In Portuguese: Cíclico

What does “Cyclic” mean?

Occurring in cycles or regular intervals; periodically recurring in a predictable pattern through time.

Etymology

From Latin cyclicus, from Greek kyklikos, "circular, moving in a circle", from kyklos, "circle, wheel", in part through French cyclique. The Greek noun is also the source of cycle and, through another route, is related to English wheel. The adjective has been used in English since the late 18th century for what returns at regular intervals; chemistry later applied it to molecules whose atoms form a ring.

Usage note

Cyclic and cyclical are interchangeable in most contexts. Economics prefers cyclical (cyclical unemployment), while chemistry and mathematics prefer cyclic (cyclic compound, cyclic group).

Synonyms

  • cyclical
  • recurrent
  • periodic
  • recurring
  • rhythmic

Often confused with

circular
Circular describes a shape or a path that returns to its starting point; cyclic describes events that repeat in time at regular intervals.

Word family

  • cycle
  • cyclical
  • cyclically
  • cyclicity
  • recycle

Usage examples

  • Tsunamis are actually real though, historically speaking, crises are cyclic.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Equationnoun
A complex statement or problem involving balancing multiple interdependent factors, variables, or meanings.
Astronautnoun
A person trained and equipped to travel and operate beyond the atmosphere of the Earth. In space exploration, astronauts perform scientific experiments and navigate spacecraft under extreme conditions.
Decompositionnoun
The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
eppur si muoveother
An Italian phrase meaning and yet it moves. It is used to affirm that a fact remains true no matter who denies it.
Pollinationnoun
The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
Regenerativeadjective
Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.
syntheticadjective
Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
Anesthetizeverb
To administer an anesthetic to eliminate physical feeling, or figuratively to numb emotional or critical awareness.
Biomenoun
A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat defined by climate and soil.
caffeinenoun
A naturally occurring central nervous system stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao pods.
cannabisnoun
A genus of flowering plants cultivated for industrial fiber, wellness oils, and medicinal applications.
catalystnoun
A substance or factor that accelerates a chemical reaction or stimulates widespread systemic change without being consumed.

Also from these editions: terms

Autonomousadjective
Possessing the freedom and self-governance to act independently without external dictation or continuous supervision.
Bamboozleverb
To deceive, confuse, or frustrate someone through deliberate trickery or misleading assertions.
Creakyadjective
Making a harsh squeaking or groaning sound, or colloquially worn out, stiff, and aged.
Epiphanynoun
A moment of sudden and profound intuitive comprehension, clarity, or essential insight.
Immaculateadjective
Free from flaws, mistakes, or moral blemishes; perfectly clean, pristine, and stainless.
Imperfectionnoun
A fault, flaw, or inadequacy that prevents someone or something from reaching total excellence or ideal completeness.
Mentornoun
An experienced, wise, and trusted adviser who guides and nurtures the personal or professional development of a less experienced person.
Protocolnoun
An official procedure, established code of correct conduct, or standardized system of rules governing professional operations.
Quillnoun
A writing pen made from the hard, hollow flight feather of a large bird, dipped in ink for calligraphy and manuscript writing.
Synergynoun
The interaction or cooperation of two or more agents or parts to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual components.
Tirelesslyadverb
In an energetic, relentless, and determined manner that shows no loss of enthusiasm or willingness to stop.
Allegorynoun
A story, poem, or visual picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden symbolic meaning, typically a moral or strategic lesson.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“Cyclic”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/cyclic