chemical

[kem-i-kuhl]

noun

1. a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.

2. Slang.,  chemicals, 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

1. Relating to or produced by means of chemistry.

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

Other Word Forms

• chemically adverb
• nonchemical adjective
• prechemical adjective
• pseudochemical adjective
• semichemical adjective
• semichemically adverb
• superchemical adjective
• superchemically adverb
• unchemical adjective
• unchemically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical¹

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

Example Sentences

When that happens, the immune system "is already super pumped up," says Prof Cruickshank, because the body is busy making chemical messengers called cytokines that help to kill viruses.

From BBC

The refinery’s air monitors detected a spike in airborne chemicals after the fire broke out, but air district officials say conditions returned to normal levels after a few hours.

From Los Angeles Times

Some studies have also shown that oils heated to above their smoke point release toxic chemical by-products.

From BBC

While the EPA’s imminent disaster response work will continue, such as work on oil spills and chemical releases, longer-term efforts including research projects and facility inspections will halt, according to the agency.

From Los Angeles Times

It involves drilling into the earth and directing a high-pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals at a rock layer, to release the gas inside.

From BBC

Related Words

• synthetic