chemistry

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noun chem·is·try \ˈke-mə-strē\

Definition of chemistry

plural

chemistries

1 : a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo
2a : the composition and chemical properties of a substance the chemistry of ironb : chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) blood chemistry
3a : a strong mutual attraction, attachment, or sympathy they have a special chemistryb : interaction between people working together; specifically : such interaction when harmonious or effective a team lacking chemistry

See chemistry defined for English-language learners

See chemistry defined for kids

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 of chemistry from the Web

Photo courtesy pHin pHin Toss the test strips and guarantee perfect pool chemistry with pHin.

— star-telegram, "Poolside Assistance: Backyard gadgets make life luxurious, safe ‘til the end of summer", 5 July 2017
Labcraft Wizards encourages scientific observation as well as explores basic concepts in chemistry and physics.

— South Florida Parenting, "Summer reading: Books to keep kids learning", 3 July 2017
Francesca's husband Bud is played with grit and sincerity by Bart Shatto, and as their children, Tanner Hake as Michael and Brooke MacDougal as Carolyn, show family chemistry.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Marriott's 'Bridges of Madison County' beautifully brings the page to stage", 3 July 2017
Coyne, who committed to play lacrosse at Rutgers, believes chemistry between Thorne and the receivers will only continue to get better.

— blake baumgartner, Naperville Sun, "Quarterback Payton Thorne fits right in with Naperville Central", 1 July 2017
Luckily, in these sinkhole-prone areas, efforts to monitor soil chemistry and use satellites to scope out at-risk zones by Ivey Burden and other engineers can help predict future sinkage.

— kyle frischkorn, Smithsonian, "What Are All The Ways That Land Can Disappear Beneath Your Feet?", 29 June 2017
A lot will hinge on how the two leaders get along and the chemistry between them.

— anna fifield, Washington Post, "North Korea at the top of agenda as South Korea’s new president comes to D.C.", 27 June 2017
But Nick Casavettes’s doomed romance starring the electric onscreen chemistry between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling is in a class of its own.

— deanna janes, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Best Tearjerker Movies Of All Time", 27 June 2017
For the Kentucky trio, this week has been about defining roles and furthering bonds and chemistry.

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "Romeo Langford, three Kentucky players named Team USA finalists", 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chemistry'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chemistry

see chemist

NEW!

First Known Use: 1646

See Words from the same year

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

CHEMISTRY Defined for English Language Learners

chemistry

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noun

Definition of chemistry for English Language Learners

: a science that deals with the structure and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through
: the structure and properties of a substance : the way a substance changes and reacts with other substances
: a strong attraction between people

CHEMISTRY Defined for Kids

chemistry

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noun chem·is·try \ˈke-mə-strē\

Definition of chemistry for Students

1 : a science that deals with the composition and properties of substances and of the changes they undergo
2 : chemical composition and properties the chemistry of food

Medical Dictionary

chemistry

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noun chem·is·try \ˈkem-ə-strē\

Medical Definition of chemistry

plural

chemistries

1: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the transformations that they undergo
2a: the composition and chemical properties of a substance the chemistry of hemoglobinb: chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) blood chemistry