from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
-ic \-ic\ [L. -icus, Gr. ?: cf. F. -ique.]
1. A suffix signifying, in general, relating to, or
characteristic of; as, historic, hygienic, telegraphic,
etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) A suffix, denoting that the element indicated
enters into certain compounds with its highest valence, or
with a valence relatively higher than in compounds where
the name of the element ends in -ous; as, ferric,
sulphuric. It is also used in the general sense of
pertaining to; as, hydric, sodic, calcic.
[1913 Webster]