chemical

1 of 2

adjective

chem·​i·​cal ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce chemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry or the phenomena of chemistry
chemical reactions
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
a chemical fire extinguisher
b
: detectable by chemical means
chemically adverb

chemical

2 of 2

noun

1
: a substance obtained by a chemical process or producing a chemical effect
2

Examples of chemical in a Sentence

Adjective They studied the compound's chemical structure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
So far, Curiosity has found evidence in several locations of past liquid water, minerals that may provide chemical energy, and intriguingly, a variety of organic carbon molecules. Amy J. Williams, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2024 In turn, the chemical elements become incorporated in clouds that form the next generation of stars and planets. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 This peel removed some surface skin and targeted more stubborn areas, such as our heels, for a more invigorating chemical exfoliation. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 The neural basis of behavioral addiction to social media or video games is not exactly the same as chemical addiction to cocaine or opioids. Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2024 Lawmakers argue that developing young minds are harmed by the chemical ingredients and that federal guidelines have not been updated in decades. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 However, their contents remained untested until recently, when researchers conducted a chemical analysis of samples taken from inside the artifacts. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 Rouleau says that mineral formulas are often better for sensitive skin, while chemical formulations tend to be thinner and spread more easily. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 Other methods of decaffeination typically involve chemical solvents that can affect the flavor of the coffee. Jaina Grey, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024
Noun
The body's natural response to get rid of chemicals that enter the airways and lungs from tobacco use causes coughing. Claire Gillespie, Health, 17 Mar. 2024 However, the quantities of chemicals released into a waterbody are not an indicator of risks to human health because these quantities alone do not indicate the extent of exposure to these chemicals, according to the EPA. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2024 With gentle ingredients and no dyes, strong fragrances, or harsh chemicals, our list of the best baby lotions can help soothe that precious skin ASAP. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 The chemicals, which do not break down naturally in the environment, are still there today. Zoya Teirstein / Grist, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, and according to a 1989 NASA study, certain houseplants can reduce toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 And water agencies face looming requirements to upgrade treatment technologies to remove contaminants, ranging from PFAS chemicals to hexavalent chromium, as government agencies adopt more stringent standards. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Perhaps the difference between rattle and body behavior has something to do with subtle differences in their cells’ chemical environments, not the structure or expression of the ion channel itself. Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 The opposition far outweighed those in support, namely, the chemical manufacturing industry. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

chemic or its source, Medieval Latin chimicus + -al entry 1

Noun

derivative of chemical entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemical was in 1576

Dictionary Entries Near chemical

Cite this Entry

“Chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemical. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chemical

1 of 2 adjective
chem·​i·​cal ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce chemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
chemically adverb

chemical

2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as an element or compound) obtained from a chemical process or used to get a chemical result

Medical Definition

chemical

1 of 2 adjective
chem·​i·​cal ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce chemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
b
: detectable by chemical means
chemically adverb

chemical

2 of 2 noun
1
: a substance (as an element or chemical compound) obtained by a chemical process or used for producing a chemical effect
2

More from Merriam-Webster on chemical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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