chem·i·cal
ˈke-mi-kəl 
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry or the phenomena of chemistry
chemical reactions
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
a chemical fire extinguisher
b
: detectable by chemical means
1
: a substance obtained by a chemical process or producing a chemical effect
2
Examples of chemical in a Sentence
Adjective
They studied the compound's chemical structure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jessica Dulong, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
The action updates several regulations on chemical plant emissions that have not been tightened in nearly two decades.
—Matthew Daly, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds most of which have some therapeutic benefits in treating certain health conditions.
—All Cbd Naturals, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Terpenes, the chemical characterizers of gin, have the same generic chemical formula (C5H8) but offer entirely different flavors, aromas, and textures.
—Eve Thomas, WIRED, 3 Apr. 2024
Since angel food cake uses no chemical leaveners, such as baking powder or soda, the meringue it’s based on must be ultra-stable.
—Jessie Sheehan, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
But the unexpected source of Little’s colors make his scenes even more potent: The pigments are made from the chemical compounds of guns, taken out of circulation and dissolved in Little’s workshop.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024
Other costs include those of filling each pen, estimated at 20 cents per monthly dose, and other chemical ingredients, which the study estimates at 15 cents per monthly dose.
—Madison Muller, Fortune Europe, 28 Mar. 2024
The immune system then releases chemical compounds such as histamine, which causes those hallmark symptoms of allergies.
—Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024
Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2024
In 2022, metallic mining released 1.43 billion pounds of toxic chemicals, accounting for 44% of all releases, primarily via on-site waste disposal.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
The derailment — which spilled more than a million pounds of hazardous chemicals into the soil, water and air — displaced hundreds of residents and businesses.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals, this mattress pad is available in packs of one, two, or three.
—Kelsey Kunik, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
Both the rail company and attorneys for the plaintiffs announced the settlement on Tuesday, April 9, more than a year after the derailment caused harmful chemicals to spill from the train and into the community.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency never approved that designation after the February 2023 derailment even though the disaster forced the evacuation of half the town of East Palestine and generated many fears about potential long-term health consequences of the chemicals that spilled and burned.
—CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024
The Santa Fe Springs facility brings in hazardous waste and treats it to yield chemicals and metals like copper, which can then be used in electronics and other industries.
—Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Also, natural supplements like turmeric, magnesium, and omega fatty acids work systemically to reduce inflammatory chemicals irritating nerve endings.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Aging is an accumulation of chemical damage to the molecules inside our cells, which damages the cells themselves, and therefore the tissue, and then eventually us as an organism.
—Jessica Dulong, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
The action updates several regulations on chemical plant emissions that have not been tightened in nearly two decades.
—Matthew Daly, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds most of which have some therapeutic benefits in treating certain health conditions.
—All Cbd Naturals, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Terpenes, the chemical characterizers of gin, have the same generic chemical formula (C5H8) but offer entirely different flavors, aromas, and textures.
—Eve Thomas, WIRED, 3 Apr. 2024
Since angel food cake uses no chemical leaveners, such as baking powder or soda, the meringue it’s based on must be ultra-stable.
—Jessie Sheehan, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
But the unexpected source of Little’s colors make his scenes even more potent: The pigments are made from the chemical compounds of guns, taken out of circulation and dissolved in Little’s workshop.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024
Other costs include those of filling each pen, estimated at 20 cents per monthly dose, and other chemical ingredients, which the study estimates at 15 cents per monthly dose.
—Madison Muller, Fortune Europe, 28 Mar. 2024
The immune system then releases chemical compounds such as histamine, which causes those hallmark symptoms of allergies.
—Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024
Noun
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 70 $19 $10
Made without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate that harm our reefs, this is one of my go-to spray-on sunscreen products for beach days.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2024
In 2022, metallic mining released 1.43 billion pounds of toxic chemicals, accounting for 44% of all releases, primarily via on-site waste disposal.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
The derailment — which spilled more than a million pounds of hazardous chemicals into the soil, water and air — displaced hundreds of residents and businesses.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals, this mattress pad is available in packs of one, two, or three.
—Kelsey Kunik, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
Both the rail company and attorneys for the plaintiffs announced the settlement on Tuesday, April 9, more than a year after the derailment caused harmful chemicals to spill from the train and into the community.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency never approved that designation after the February 2023 derailment even though the disaster forced the evacuation of half the town of East Palestine and generated many fears about potential long-term health consequences of the chemicals that spilled and burned.
—CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024
The Santa Fe Springs facility brings in hazardous waste and treats it to yield chemicals and metals like copper, which can then be used in electronics and other industries.
—Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Also, natural supplements like turmeric, magnesium, and omega fatty acids work systemically to reduce inflammatory chemicals irritating nerve endings.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
chemic or its source, Medieval Latin chimicus + -al entry 1
Noun
derivative of chemical entry 1
Phrases Containing chemical
Dictionary Entries Near chemical
Cite this Entry
“Chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemical. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
chemical
1 of 2 adjective
chem·i·cal
ˈkem-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
chemical
2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as an element or compound) obtained from a chemical process or used to get a chemical result
Medical Definition
chemical
1 of 2 adjective
chem·i·cal
ˈkem-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
b
: detectable by chemical means
chemical
2 of 2 noun1
: a substance (as an element or chemical compound) obtained by a chemical process or used for producing a chemical effect
2
More from Merriam-Webster on chemical
Nglish: Translation of chemical for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of chemical for Arabic Speakers
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