suffix 1 forming adjectives (Arabic; classic; public) and nouns (critic; epic; mechanic; music). 2 Chem. in higher valence or degree of oxidation (ferric; sulphuric) (see also -OUS). 3 denoting a particular form or instance of a noun in -ics (aesthetic; tactic).
[ from or after F -ique or L -icus or Gk -ikos: cf. -ATIC, -ETIC, -FIC, -OTIC ]