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Chemical: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：pertaining to chemistry (chemical)
chemical
/ˈkɛmɪkəl/
adj./n.
Describes something related to the science of chemistry, or happening because of how substances interact with each other.
pertaining to chemistry
➕
/pərˈteɪnɪŋ tə ˈkɛmɪstri/
adj./n.
Describes anything that is connected to the science of chemistry or involves the interaction of substances.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from 'alchemy', from Arabic 'al-kīmiyā', meaning the art of transmutation.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'chem' as in 'chemistry', where chemicals mix and react.
📖 Example
The company announced that they had developed a new, more environmentally friendly chemical process for making paper.
The company introduced a new paper-making method that uses chemistry and is better for the environment.
🔗 Collocations
chemical reaction – a process where substances interact to form new products
chemical process – a method or procedure involving chemistry
chemical analysis – the examination of substances to determine their composition
🔄 Synonyms
chemically (adv.) – in a manner related to chemistry
synthetic (adj.) – made by chemical synthesis, not naturally occurring
scientific (adj.) – related to science, especially chemistry
🚫 Antonyms
natural (adj.) – existing in nature, not made or altered by chemicals
🌱 Derivatives
chemically (adv.) – in a chemical way
chemist (n.) – a scientist who studies chemistry
chemistry (n.) – the scientific study of substances and their interactions
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'chemical' originates from 'alchemy', derived from Arabic 'al-kīmiyā'. Alchemy was a medieval practice aiming to transform substances. Modern chemistry emerged in the 17th century, and 'chemical' now refers to substances and processes in this scientific field.
Meaning 2：substance or compound (chemical)
chemical
/ˈkɛmɪkəl/
adj./n.
A specific substance or compound with particular properties, often made or used in industry or science.
substance or compound
➕
/ˈsʌbstəns ɔːr ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
adj./n.
Refers to a specific substance or compound, often manufactured or used in industry, science, or daily life.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When you clean the bathroom, be sure to store the strong chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
While cleaning, ensure that powerful chemicals are stored safely away from children and pets.
🔗 Collocations
household chemicals – chemical substances used in homes for cleaning or other purposes
chemical compound – a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements
chemical storage – the safe keeping of chemical substances
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
chemically (adv.) – in a chemical way
chemist (n.) – a scientist who studies chemistry
chemistry (n.) – the scientific study of substances and their interactions
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