chemical reaction

American  

[kem-i-kuhl ree-ak-shuhn] / ˈkɛm ɪ kəl riˈæk ʃən /

noun

1. Chemistry. reaction.

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chemical reaction British  

noun

1. a process that involves changes in the structure and energy content of atoms, molecules, or ions but not their nuclei Compare nuclear reaction

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chemical reaction Cultural  

1. A process in which atoms of the same or different elements rearrange themselves to form a new substance. While they do so, they either absorb heat or give it off.

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Etymology

Origin of chemical reaction

First recorded in 1780–90

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chemical reaction

These gold structures are coated with even smaller platinum particles, creating a specially engineered surface that enables the chemical reaction needed to process glucose.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

The achievement demonstrated that homochirality could be created through a chemical reaction rather than being unique to living organisms.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Lithium-ion battery fires are challenging to combat as excessive heat inside a battery creates a self-sustaining chemical reaction called thermal runaway that can then easily spread to adjacent batteries.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026

That shift provided evidence that the aluminum sites were actively catalyzing the chemical reaction.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026

“Pressure brings it up. It results from a chemical reaction in the lungs when water mixes with air and mucus.”

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

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