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

The chemistry that once sparked creativity starts to fizzle. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025

The chemistry in the challenges was always top tier. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 July 2025

Their physical chemistry couldn’t overcome his self-destructive impulses, which may have even included cheating on her. —Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025

Authenticity is one of this Swedish show's defining strengths, from the lead's raw chemistry to its cast of teens who actually look the part (blemishes and all). —Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 16 July 2025

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

Rhymes for chemistry

• biochemistry
• cytochemistry
• geochemistry
• histochemistry
• neurochemistry
• photochemistry
• phytochemistry
• thermochemistry
• biogeochemistry
• electrochemistry
• immunochemistry
• radiochemistry

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