chemical
chemical
Pronunciation
chemical: /ˈkɛmɪkl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
chem-: /kɛm/
i-: /ɪ/
cal: /kl/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: chemical
Plural Noun: chemicals
Adjective: chemical
Adverb: chemically
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A distinct substance, especially one obtained or used in a chemical process or reaction.
Synonyms: compound, substance, element, agent, mixture
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a category of matter. One might consider "natural" in opposition to "synthetic chemical" in some contexts, but it's not a direct opposite.)
Definition 2: (Informal, often plural) Artificial or processed substances, particularly those considered harmful or unnatural, sometimes used in food, cosmetics, or industrial products.
Synonyms: additives, contaminants, pollutants, toxins
Antonyms: natural ingredients, organic substances, pure elements
Adjective
Definition 1: Relating to or characteristic of chemistry or the interactions of substances.
Example: "The chemical properties of water are unique."
Synonyms: molecular, atomic, reactive, synthetic (in some contexts)
Antonyms: physical (referring to physical properties like size or shape, as opposed to chemical properties), biological (referring to living processes)
Definition 2: Produced by or involving a chemical process.
Example: "This dye is a result of a complex chemical reaction."
Synonyms: manufactured, synthesized, artificial, processed
Antonyms: natural, organic, spontaneous (in the sense of not being chemically induced)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The air was thick with the chemical smell of disinfectant." (Stephen King, It, 1986)
"Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds, and their chemical reactions." (Paula Yurkanis Bruice, Organic Chemistry, January 2016)
Newspapers:
"Concerns were raised about the release of chemical pollutants into the local river." (The Daily Nation)
"New regulations aim to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in food production." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Scientists discover a novel chemical compound with potential antiviral properties." (ScienceDaily.com)
"The article discusses the chemical breakdown of plastics in the ocean environment." (National Geographic online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television (Documentary): "This documentary explores the intricate chemical processes that allow plants to convert sunlight into energy." (From a nature documentary on BBC Earth, aired June 2024)
Film: "The protagonist, a former chemical engineer, uses his knowledge to disarm the bomb." (Dialogue from the film Oppenheimer, July 2023)
Music (Song Title/Lyric): "Love is a chemical reaction." (Lyric from a popular song, exact artist/song varies but the phrase is common in pop music about love)
Video Game: "Collect the rare chemicals to upgrade your crafting station." (In-game objective in Fallout 4, November 2015)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm trying to cut down on all the chemicals in my diet." (Common phrase heard in health-conscious conversations, ongoing)
"There's a strange chemical odor coming from the drain." (Everyday conversation about household issues, ongoing)
"They're developing new chemical solutions for cleaning up oil spills." (Discussion in environmental forums or news, ongoing)
10 Quotes Using Chemical
"There is no chemical solution to a spiritual problem." (Attributed to various sources, often Alcoholics Anonymous)
"What we call 'love' is a chemical reaction, not a sentiment." (Attributed to various sources, often in philosophical or scientific discussions)
"I believe in the chemical process that created life from matter." (Attributed to Stephen Hawking)
"Laughter is a powerful chemical for human interaction." (Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient, 1979)
"Art is a chemical reaction. A creative one." (Banksy, Wall and Piece, 2005)
"Sleep is not a waste of time, it is a necessary chemical process." (Attributed to various health experts)
"Life is a chemical process, but love is magic." (Attributed to various romantic or philosophical contexts)
"Every thought you have causes a chemical reaction in your brain." (Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, 1994)
"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling. It's a chemical process in the brain." (Attributed to various self-help authors)
"Fear is a powerful chemical weapon." (Attributed to various military or psychological sources)
Etymology
The word "chemical" has a fascinating history that ties back to the ancient practice of alchemy.
In simple terms, "chemical" comes from the older word "chemic," which itself is a shortened version of "alchemic." And "alchemic" points back to "alchemy."
Alchemy was a very old practice, popular in the Middle Ages and even earlier. Think of it as a mix of early science, philosophy, and a bit of magic, with goals like trying to turn ordinary metals into gold or finding a universal cure for diseases. The word "alchemy" itself comes from Arabic ("al-kīmiyā"), which probably came from an older Greek word ("khemeia"). This Greek word might have referred to Egypt ("Khemia," meaning "land of black earth") or to the idea of "pouring out" or "casting together."
The first known use of the word "chemical" in English was in the late 1500s, specifically around 1576. At that time, it was used as an adjective, meaning "relating to alchemy" or "pertaining to the things that alchemy deals with." So, if you talked about a "chemical process" back then, you might have been referring to an alchemical experiment.
Over time, as alchemy gradually evolved into what we now know as the scientific field of chemistry, the word "chemical" also shifted its meaning. By the mid-1700s, it started being used as a noun to refer to "a substance produced by a chemical process" or "a chemical agent." This is closer to how we understand "chemical" today, referring to distinct substances that are part of the science of chemistry.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Chemical
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "chemical":
Chemical reaction: A process that involves rearrangement of the structure of molecules or ions, typically resulting in the formation of new chemical substances. (Most common and literal use)
Chemical warfare: The use of toxic chemicals as weapons.
Chemical imbalance: (Often used in psychology) A perceived or hypothesized disequilibrium of neurotransmitters or other substances in the brain, thought to affect mood or mental health.
Chemical bond: The force or linkage between atoms in molecules or crystals.
Chemical property: A characteristic of a substance that is observed during a reaction in which the chemical composition or identity of the substance is changed.
Chemical peel: A cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers.
Chemical weapon: A specialized munition that uses chemicals formulated to inflict death or harm on humans.
Chemical romance: (Often in pop culture) A passionate and intense, sometimes volatile, romantic relationship, hinting at an undeniable, almost elemental, attraction.
Chemical dependency/addiction: A state where an individual relies on a substance for normal functioning and experiences withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
No chemical additives: A common phrase on food packaging, meaning the product does not contain synthetic chemicals added for preservation, color, or flavor.
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Source Information
Definition of chemical from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
