side chain

See also: sidechain

English

Alternative forms

• sidechain
• side-chain

Noun

side chain (plural side chains)

1. (organic chemistry) That part of a molecule attached to some core structure; a radical.
2. (biochemistry) Any of the variable parts of amino acids that extend from the peptide backbone in proteins; they are referred to as R-groups, which branch off the backbone at the alpha carbon (Cα).
3. (audio) Auxiliary audio input fed to a synthesizer etc. and used to selectively trigger an effect.

Verb

side chain (third-person singular simple present side chains, present participle side chaining, simple past and past participle side chained)

1. (audio) To use auxiliary audio input in that manner.