chemical reaction

[kem-i-kuhl ree-ak-shuhn]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  reaction.

chemical reaction

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

chemical reaction

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical reaction¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Industrial catalysts -- substances that reduce the amount of energy required for a given chemical reaction -- help manufacturers boost reaction speed, yield or efficiency when producing key materials.

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There are underground fires burning in at least two landfills in Southern California — smoldering chemical reactions that are incinerating buried garbage, releasing toxic fumes and spewing liquid waste.

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The smoldering chemical reaction inside Chiquita Canyon Landfill is growing and could last for decades, according to a new state analysis.

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Even worse, though, a chemical reaction that was occurring in the high heat of the reactor core was producing highly flammable hydrogen gas.

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Specific regions of DNA known as phosphates act like tiny "hands" that guide chemical reactions to form the correct mirror-image version of a compound.

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Related Words

• vicious circle