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Webster 1913 Edition


Chemistry

Chem′is-try

(kĕm′ĭs-try̆; 277)
,
Noun.
[From
Chemist
. See
Alchemy
.]
1.
That branch of science which treats of the composition of substances, and of the changes which they undergo in consequence of alterations in the constitution of the molecules, which depend upon variations of the number, kind, or mode of arrangement, of the constituent atoms. These atoms are not assumed to be indivisible, but merely the finest grade of subdivision hitherto attained. Chemistry deals with the changes in the composition and constitution of molecules. See
Atom
,
Molecule
.
☞ Historically, chemistry is an outgrowth of alchemy (or alchemistry), with which it was anciently identified.
2.
An application of chemical theory and method to the consideration of some particular subject;
as, the
chemistry
of iron; the
chemistry
of indigo
.
3.
A treatise on chemistry.
☞ This word and its derivatives were formerly written with y, and sometimes with i, instead of e, in the first syllable, chymistry, chymist, chymical, etc., or chimistry, chimist, chimical, etc.; and the pronunciation was conformed to the orthography.
Inorganic chemistry
,
that which treats of inorganic or mineral substances.
Organic chemistry
,
that which treats of the substances which form the structure of organized beings and their products, whether animal or vegetable; – called also
chemistry of the carbon compounds
. There is no fundamental difference between organic and inorganic chemistry.
Physiological chemistry
,
the chemistry of the organs and tissues of the body, and of the various physiological processes incident to life.
Practical chemistry
, or
Applied chemistry
,
that which treats of the modes of manufacturing the products of chemistry that are useful in the arts, of their applications to economical purposes, and of the conditions essential to their best use.
Pure chemistry
,
the consideration of the facts and theories of chemistry in their purely scientific relations, without necessary reference to their practical applications or mere utility.

Webster 1828 Edition


Chemistry

CHEMISTRY.

[See Chimistry.]

Definition 2024


chemistry

chemistry

English

Wikiversity

Noun

chemistry (countable and uncountable, plural chemistries)

  1. (uncountable) The branch of natural science that deals with the composition and constitution of substances and the changes that they undergo as a consequence of alterations in the constitution of their molecules.
  2. (countable) An application of chemical theory and method to a particular substance.
    the chemistry of iron
    the chemistry of indigo
  3. (informal) The mutual attraction between two people; rapport.

Usage notes

  • Historical note: This word and its derivatives were formerly spelled chy- or sometimes chi- (i.e., chymistry, chymist, chymical, etc., or chimistry, chimist, chimical, etc.) with pronunciation depending on the spelling.

Meronyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:chemistry

Derived terms

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