chemical reaction

American  

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

noun

1. Chemistry. reaction.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of chemical reaction

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chemical reaction

They then triggered a chemical reaction that converted it into the smaller strained ring in a single step.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 6, 2026

Workers at Catalyst Refiners Inc. in Institute, W.Va., were cleaning and decontaminating a metal processing site—in preparation for closing it down—when a chemical reaction created dangerous hydrogen sulfide gas around 9:30 a.m.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026

Form’s iron-air batteries generate electricity through a chemical reaction involving oxygen, water and iron powder that mimics how old pieces of metal gather rust.

From Barron's ● Feb. 24, 2026

When the team applied a negative voltage across the membrane, it triggered a chemical reaction inside the nanopore.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026

“You’ve smelled rotten eggs? That’s sulfur dioxide, released from the chemical reaction of rotting organic material. This is going to stink just like that.”

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• vicious circle