-ic

-ic [ik]

[< Fr or LGr; Fr -ique < L -icus < Gr -ikos: akin to Ger -isch, OE -ig: see -Y³] suffix

1. forming adjectives

a) of, having to do with [volcanic]

b) like, having the nature of, characteristic of [angelic]

c) produced by, caused by [anaerobic]

d) producing, causing [analgesic]

e) consisting of, containing, forming [dactylic]

f) having, showing, affected by [lethargic]

g) Chem. of or derived from [benzoic, citric]

h) Chem. having a higher valence than is indicated by the suffix -OUS [nitric, phosphoric]

2. [< ME or L or Gr: ME -ike < L -icus < Gr -ikos: from substantive use of respective adjectives] forming nouns a person or thing:

a) having, showing, affected by [hysteric, paraplegic]

b) supporting, adhering to [Gnostic]

c) belonging to, characteristic of [cynic, Philippic]

d) derived from [patronymic]

e) producing, causing [hypnotic]

f) affecting [stomachic]