chemical

[ kem-i-kuhl ]

noun

1. a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.
2. chemicals, Slang. narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances.

adjective

1. of, used in, produced by, or concerned with chemistry or chemicals:

   a chemical formula; chemical agents.

2. used in chemical warfare:

   chemical weapons.

chemical

/ ˈkɛmɪkəl /

noun

1. any substance used in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use

adjective

1. of or used in chemistry

   chemical balance

2. of, made from, or using chemicals

   chemical fertilizer

chemical

/ kĕm′ĭ-kəl /

Adjective

1. Relating to or produced by means of chemistry.

Noun

1. A substance having a specific molecular composition, obtained by or used in a chemical process.

Derived Forms

• ˈchemically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• chemi·cal·ly adverb
• non·chemi·cal adjective noun
• pre·chemi·cal adjective
• pseudo·chemi·cal adjective
• semi·chemi·cal adjective
• semi·chemi·cal·ly adverb
• super·chemi·cal adjective noun
• super·chemi·cal·ly adverb
• un·chemi·cal adjective
• un·chemi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical¹

1570–80; chemic + -al ¹; replacing chimical chemic

Example Sentences

As these so-called exoplanets were being discovered, scientists began to develop instruments to analyse the chemical composition of their atmospheres.

From BBC

Scunthorpe's furnaces produce molten iron by splitting rocks containing iron ore in a chemical reaction that requires intense heat.

From BBC

A second book, recently published in France, is Darian’s account of the trial, during which she openly challenged her father’s denial of harming her, and her work battling chemical submission.

From Los Angeles Times

Regional Water Quality Control Board found that the charred silt does not contain wildfire-related chemicals at levels considered to be dangerous to human health, the health department concluded.

From Los Angeles Times

The carnivorous sea stars munch on purple urchins and might even ward them off by making them fearful using chemical cues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• synthetic