chemical
- a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.
- chemicals, Slang. narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances.
- of, used in, produced by, or concerned with chemistry or chemicals: a chemical formula; chemical agents.
- used in chemical warfare: chemical weapons.
Origin of chemical
Examples from the Web for chemical
Contemporary Examples of chemical
Methane (chemical formula CH4) is one of the simplest hydrocarbons, which literally means “containing hydrogen and carbon.”
Lakes on Titan are full of methane, and the chemical is a major component of the giant planets Jupiter, Neptune, and so forth.
One chemical test involves measuring the relative amount of deuterium in water.
“Almost all of our human activities leave a chemical trace in the water,” says Alm.
With scarlet lips and chemical red hair, the erstwhile agent is still making headlines in the West.
Historical Examples of chemical
The air was saturated by it just as water may hold a chemical in solution.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
He took a house near the chemical laboratory, to which he brought his wife and family.
Heroes of the TelegraphJ. Munro
But happily for me they accepted my statement as to their chemical nature in other respects.
City of Endless NightMilo Hastings
There is also a change in chemical conditions, the water at least being decomposed.
Life: Its True GenesisR. W. Wright
In the latter the union is mechanical; in the former it is chemical.
Hittel on Gold Mines and MiningJohn S. Hittell
chemical
- any substance used in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use
- of or used in chemistrychemical balance
- of, made from, or using chemicalschemical fertilizer
Word Origin and History for chemical
1747, from chemical (adj.). Related: Chemicals.
chemical
(kĕm′ĭ-kəl)- Of or relating to chemistry.
- Of or relating to the properties or actions of chemicals.
- A substance with a distinct molecular composition that is produced by or used in a chemical process.
- A drug, especially an illicit or addictive one.
chemical
- Relating to or produced by means of chemistry.
- A substance having a specific molecular composition, obtained by or used in a chemical process.