chemical

1 of 2

adjective

chem·​i·​cal ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce chemical (audio)
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
chemically adverb

chemical

2 of 2

noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In addition to serving as a DIY natural fertilizer, benefits of reusing rice water include reducing water waste and the need for chemical fertilizers. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025 The legislation would, however, allow SWAT team members to cover their faces, along with law enforcement who need to cover uniforms for wildfire gear, or wear medical-grade masks over their faces if there is an airborne threat like smoke, a chemical agent or a virus. Alex Stone, ABC News, 25 June 2025
Noun
In 1987-88, the Iranian population and leadership alike truly feared that Saddam would saturate the country’s major population centers with lethal chemical agents, either dropped by warplanes or fitted atop his missiles. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Chemical Control Options Spraying the foliage of any vine that is covering a shrub or is surrounded by desirable landscape plants with any type of chemical or natural herbicide like vinegar is not practical. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for chemical

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

chemic or its source, Medieval Latin chimicus + -al entry 1

Noun

derivative of chemical entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemical was in 1576

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Cite this Entry

“Chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemical. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

chemical

1 of 2 adjective
chem·​i·​cal ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce chemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
chemically adverb

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 How to pronounce chemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
b
: detectable by chemical means
chemically adverb

chemical

2 of 2 noun
1
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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