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Webster 1913 Edition


Chemical

Chem′ic-al

,
Adj.
Pertaining to chemistry; characterized or produced by the forces and operations of chemistry; employed in the processes of chemistry;
as,
chemical
changes;
chemical
combinations
.
Chemical attraction
or
Chemical affinity
.
See under
Attraction
.

Chem′ic-al

,
Noun.
A substance used for producing a chemical effect; a reagent.

Webster 1828 Edition


Chemical

CHEMICAL.

[See Chimical.]

Definition 2024


chemical

chemical

English

Adjective

chemical (not comparable)

  1. (obsolete) Of or relating to alchemy.
  2. Of or relating to chemistry.
  3. Of or relating to a material or processes not commonly found in nature or in a particular product.

Derived terms

  • technochemical

Translations

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Noun

chemical (plural chemicals)

  1. (chemistry, sciences) Any specific chemical element or chemical compound or alloy.
  2. (colloquial) An artificial chemical compound.
    I color my hair with henna, not chemicals.
  3. (slang) An addictive drug.

Usage notes

  • The noun is frequently used in a slang and more specific non-technical way (2nd and 3rd definition) by the general public. Chemists and those who understand chemistry may gravitate toward the first, but the term "substance" is preferred usage.

Translations

Derived terms

Related terms

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