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vicinal
In modern English, this word is almost exclusively used as a technical term in organic chemistry. In this context, it describes functional groups located on adjacent carbon atoms. It is the direct opposite of "geminal," where groups are attached to the same carbon atom.
Outside of chemistry, "vicinal" is an extremely rare, formal, or archaic term meaning "neighboring." Using it in everyday conversation to describe a house or a town would sound unnatural and overly pretentious. In standard modern English, words like "neighboring," "adjacent," or "nearby" are used instead.
Because it is an adjective, it does not have irregular countability or plurality issues. Its usage is strictly governed by register: technical/scientific for chemistry, and obsolete/hyper-formal for geography.
Meanings
Examples
The vicinal villages were connected by a narrow dirt road.
We must analyze the vicinal diols in this organic compound.
The vicinal properties of the land made it ideal for a small farm.
The vicinal atmosphere of the valley felt peaceful and secluded.
The reaction involves the elimination of vicinal hydrogens.
The reaction involves the elimination of vicinal hydrogens.
He wondered if the vicinal estates were owned by the same family.
The chemist noted the stability of the vicinal arrangement.