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
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2023
Carbon black’s negative effects are mainly felt by workers in dye and printing houses, and workers at the chemical plants that produce it.
—Alden Wicker, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023
Libby adds that looking at chemical exfoliants such as alpha- (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) will dissolve away dead skin cells and keep pores clear of any debris.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2023
While refinements to production methods, polymers’ chemical compositions, and lifespan are still needed, the team believes the comparatively fast and adaptable 3D-printing method could one day lead to a host of novel industrial, architectural, and robotic designs.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Nov. 2023
Read More: The Reason Why 2,000-Year-Old Roman Concrete is Still So Strong
Why Is Ancient Architecture Important?
Ultimately, studying the chemical composition of ancient architecture can help improve its modern counterpart.
—Tim Brinkhof, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
The researchers used volcanic material from the Changbai mountains of China's Jilin Province to create soil with similar chemical and physical properties to lunar regolith.
—Fox News, 9 Nov. 2023
An explosion triggered a large fire at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2023
In August of this year, the journal Physical Review Letters retracted a 2021 paper by Dr. Dias that described intriguing electrical properties, although not superconductivity, in another chemical compound, manganese sulfide.
—Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023
Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 24 Nov. 2023
This can cause a buildup of a chemical compound called acetaldehyde: a culprit that also contributes to hangovers.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023
Just answering the phone, military to military, and getting China to enforce some of its existing policies to cut down on the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals.
—CBS News, 19 Nov. 2023
Many of the chemicals used to make synthetic fentanyl come from China to cartels that traffic the powerful narcotic into the U.S., which is facing an overdose crisis.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2023
Spectroscopy, the technique used to decipher the molecular makeup of chemicals, relies on that fact.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Nov. 2023
By the 20th century, steel roller mills changed the quality of corn meal, and chemical leaveners sweeteners, and other flours were added to create the spongy cornbread seen on tables today, according to The Stanford Daily.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
The new analysis focuses on two groups of chemicals — organophosphates and some carbamates — that are commonly used in insecticides.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2023
Offering both twin and full-size mattress options, the daybed is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it’s been tested for safety and to ensure low chemical emissions for healthier air in your home.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2023
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Adjective
The vote came less than a week after the use of the controversial chemical herbicide glyphosate in the 27-nation bloc was extended for 10 more years.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2023
Carbon black’s negative effects are mainly felt by workers in dye and printing houses, and workers at the chemical plants that produce it.
—Alden Wicker, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023
Libby adds that looking at chemical exfoliants such as alpha- (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) will dissolve away dead skin cells and keep pores clear of any debris.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2023
While refinements to production methods, polymers’ chemical compositions, and lifespan are still needed, the team believes the comparatively fast and adaptable 3D-printing method could one day lead to a host of novel industrial, architectural, and robotic designs.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Nov. 2023
Read More: The Reason Why 2,000-Year-Old Roman Concrete is Still So Strong
Why Is Ancient Architecture Important?
Ultimately, studying the chemical composition of ancient architecture can help improve its modern counterpart.
—Tim Brinkhof, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
The researchers used volcanic material from the Changbai mountains of China's Jilin Province to create soil with similar chemical and physical properties to lunar regolith.
—Fox News, 9 Nov. 2023
An explosion triggered a large fire at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2023
In August of this year, the journal Physical Review Letters retracted a 2021 paper by Dr. Dias that described intriguing electrical properties, although not superconductivity, in another chemical compound, manganese sulfide.
—Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023
Noun
Stock in the German chemical giant rose about 2% in Frankfurt.
—Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 24 Nov. 2023
This can cause a buildup of a chemical compound called acetaldehyde: a culprit that also contributes to hangovers.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023
Just answering the phone, military to military, and getting China to enforce some of its existing policies to cut down on the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals.
—CBS News, 19 Nov. 2023
Many of the chemicals used to make synthetic fentanyl come from China to cartels that traffic the powerful narcotic into the U.S., which is facing an overdose crisis.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2023
Spectroscopy, the technique used to decipher the molecular makeup of chemicals, relies on that fact.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Nov. 2023
By the 20th century, steel roller mills changed the quality of corn meal, and chemical leaveners sweeteners, and other flours were added to create the spongy cornbread seen on tables today, according to The Stanford Daily.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
The new analysis focuses on two groups of chemicals — organophosphates and some carbamates — that are commonly used in insecticides.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2023
Offering both twin and full-size mattress options, the daybed is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it’s been tested for safety and to ensure low chemical emissions for healthier air in your home.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2023
See More
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 8 Dec. 2023.
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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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