"Aliphatic" refers to a type of organic compound that consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in straight or branched chains, rather than in rings. These compounds can be saturated, meaning they have single bonds between carbon atoms, or unsaturated, which means they contain one or more double or triple bonds. Common examples of aliphatic compounds include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Aliphatic compounds are important in various fields, including chemistry and biochemistry. They are found in many natural substances, such as fats and oils, and are used in the production of fuels and plastics. Understanding aliphatic compounds helps scientists develop new materials and explore biological processes.