IC

2 of 4

noun (2)

-ic

3 of 4

adjective suffix

1
: having the character or form of : being
panoramic
: consisting of
runic
2
a
: of or relating to
aldermanic
b
: related to, derived from, or containing
alcoholic
3
: in the manner of : like that of : characteristic of
Byronic
4
: associated or dealing with
Vedic
: utilizing
electronic
5
: characterized by : exhibiting
nostalgic
: affected with
allergic
6
: caused by
amoebic
7
: tending to produce
analgesic
8
: having a valence relatively higher than in compounds or ions named with an adjective ending in -ous
ferric iron

-ic

4 of 4

noun suffix

: one having the character or nature of : one belonging to or associated with : one exhibiting or affected by : one that produces

Word History

Etymology

Adjective suffix

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French -ic, -ique, from Latin -icus — more at -y

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1947, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of IC was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“IC.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IC. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

IC

1 of 2 noun
(ˈ)ī-ˈsē

-ic

2 of 2 adjective suffix
ik
1
a
: resembling in form or manner
cherubic
b
: made up of
runic
2
a
: of or relating to
chivalric
b
: derived from or containing
alcoholic
3
: in the manner of
autocratic
4
: making use of
electronic
5
a
: marked by
nostalgic
b
: affected with
allergic
6
: caused by
amoebic
Etymology

Adjective suffix

derived from Latin -icus (adjective suffix)

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