Definition: Chemical

From New World Encyclopedia

Etymology

chemic (“alchemy”) From Late Latin chemicus, chimicus, chymicus +‎ -al (“related to”).

Adjective

chemical (not comparable)

  1. Of or relating to chemistry.
    Some of the world's most fascinating inventions, such as waterproof paper, started out as chemical experiments or even accidents!
    In chemistry class, we had to learn the chemical properties of various elements.
  2. Of or relating to a material or processes not commonly found in nature or in a particular product.

Noun

chemical (plural chemicals)

  1. (chemistry, sciences) Any specific chemical element, chemical compound, or alloy.
    Hydrogen and sulphur are both chemicals.
  2. (colloquial) An artificial chemical compound.
    I color my hair with henna, not chemicals.

Derived terms

Related terms

Credits

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