noun / adjective
chemical
A substance with a particular composition, or relating to such substances and their reactions.
The chemist identifies each chemical in the sample before beginning the experiment.
Etymology
The older adjective concerns alchemy. As the study of substances developed into chemistry, chemical came to describe its substances and reactions; the noun names a substance considered in that way.
More examples
- The reaction produces a new chemical compound.
- Water is a chemical substance with a definite composition.
- The factory stores its chemicals in labeled containers.
Forms
chemical · chemicals
Similar words
- mixture
- A mixture combines substances without necessarily forming a new chemical compound.