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

Example Sentences

One clear example is the energy needed to keep certain biochemical processes running, such as those involved in photosynthesis, while actively preventing other chemical reactions from taking place.

From Science Daily

To protect the devices from chemical reactions with cesium, the waveguides are coated with a protective layer.

From Science Daily

Tiny liquid droplets ferry proteins or RNA and help organize many of the cell's chemical reactions.

From Science Daily

"The longer the distance, the more you have water interacting with rocks, so there's a higher chance of chemical reactions that could be translated into signs of life," he said.

From Science Daily

This period followed the polar sunrise -- a stretch of continuous daylight after months of darkness -- when increased ultraviolet light intensifies chemical reactions at the surface and in the lower atmosphere.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• vicious circle