chemistry

noun

chem·​is·​try ˈke-mə-strē 

plural chemistries

1

: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo

2

a

: the composition and chemical properties of a substance

the chemistry of iron

b

: chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism)

blood chemistry

3

a

: a strong mutual attraction, attachment, or sympathy

they have a special chemistry

b

: interaction between people working together

specifically : such interaction when harmonious or effective

a team lacking chemistry

Examples of chemistry in a Sentence

studying the chemistry of gasoline

They tried dating, but there was no chemistry between them.

the chemistry of the office

Recent Examples on the Web

And there’s chemistry there and a bond starts to form, which rattles Jack with guilt because still in mourning. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

But just like the above long-term mulching effort, the gradually decomposing organic matter will leave behind a trail of improved soil chemistry and physical features that will make your gardening that much more successful. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 19 Apr. 2024

In the study, the researchers took blood work, chemistry and immune system biomarkers from the participants at each visit to track their experience with long COVID, according to the study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024

Likewise, Slater and Bryant share an enjoyable rom-com chemistry, but even the faint possibility of a love story seems difficult to square with either Helen’s levelheadedness or Brauer’s deviousness. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024

But Rushton might not get enough credit for putting together a defensive unit that somehow has already found tremendous chemistry together just a few months in. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2024

Premiering in 1993, the cast’s chemistry and the great writing made Living Single an unexpected success against big competition on Sunday nights, setting the show up for a five-season, 118-episode run that holds up to this day. —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2024

Contractors receive training on cleaning techniques, safety and procedures, and the chemistry of products. —Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

For me, [returning] is almost like a learning process of how to fit in with this new chemistry. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier chymistrie, chymistrie, from chymist, chimist chemist + -ry, probably after earlier alchemistri, alcumistry "alchemy"

Note: Regarding distinctions between chemistry and alchemy see note at chemist.

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chemistry

• chemistry set
• green chemistry
• inorganic chemistry
• organic chemistry

Kids Definition

chemistry

noun

chem·​is·​try ˈkem-ə-strē 

1

: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through

2

: chemical composition, properties, or processes

the chemistry of gasoline

the chemistry of iron

the chemistry of blood

chemist

-əst

noun

Etymology

an altered form of obsolete chimistry, chymistry "alchemy," derived from Latin alchimista "alchemist," from alchymia "alchemy," from Arabic al-kīmiyā' (same meaning), from al "the" and kīmiyā' "alchemy," from Greek chēmeia "alchemy" — related to alchemy, chemo-

Medical Definition

chemistry

noun

chem·​is·​try ˈkem-ə-strē 

plural chemistries

1

: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the transformations that they undergo

2

a

: the composition and chemical properties of a substance

the chemistry of hemoglobin

b

: chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism)

blood chemistry