chemical

American  

[kem-i-kuhl] / ˈkɛm ɪ kəl /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ kĕm′ĭ-kəl /

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

Etymology

Origin of chemical

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

Example Sentences

Research suggests pets can introduce these chemicals into the environment through feces, urine, and even shed hair.

From Science Daily

One middle-school band director wanted to understand why his students are so drawn to what he calls “a chemical weapon.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Dopamine is a chemical that helps regulate movement but also plays a key role in motivation and reward, which can be overstimulated by these medications.

From BBC

Investors already know the chemical business is struggling.

From Barron's

Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays a critical role in controlling movement, as well as supporting memory, mood, and other essential functions.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• synthetic