noun
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a shop selling medicines, cosmetics, etc
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a qualified dispenser of prescribed medicines
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a person studying, trained in, or engaged in chemistry
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an obsolete word for alchemist
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of chemist
First recorded in 1555–65; from Greek chēm(ía) (also chēmeía, chymeía ) “art of alloying metals; alchemy” + -ist; replacing chymist, from Medieval Latin alchimista; see alchemist ( def. )
Explanation
A scientist who studies the elements that make up all matter is a chemist. If you enjoy doing experiments that involve mixing substances in test tubes, you'd probably love being a chemist. Chemists practice the science of chemistry, which examines the properties that make up everything in the universe. These working scientists examine the tiniest particles of substances, the atoms and molecules that form the earth, the oceans, and even you, yourself. Chemists also study how elements interact with each other and form new substances; we have chemists to thank for inventing penicillin, plastic, and artificial sweeteners, among many other things.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He expects like-for-like sales growth, new domestic and international stores, operating efficiencies and the eventual delivery of A$100 million in annual synergies from 2025’s merger between Sigma and the Chemist Warehouse retail chain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
Chemist Roy Plunkett accidentally created Teflon while experimenting with refrigerant gases.
From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026
Pharmacist Shabbir Damani, 46, runs six branches of Halls the Chemist across Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
From BBC • Dec. 8, 2021
Grand Performances This series of free, outdoor summer concerts returns with L.A.-based Ethiopian jazz ensemble Ethio Cali joined by DJs Cut Chemist and Rani de Leon.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2021
He was appointed Associate Member of the Ordnance Committee in 1867; and is Chemist to the War Department and likewise Chemical Referee to the Government.
From The Strand Magazine, Volume V, Issue 30, June 1893 An Illustrated Monthly by Newnes, George
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
