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

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

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

Yet Jones saw something special in her, and the chemistry read with Julia Louis-Dreyfus sealed the deal.

— anna silman, The Cut, "Veep’s Secret Weapon," 29 Aug. 2017
The Charlotte Hornets have had terrific chemistry the past two seasons.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Hornets mailbag: Are Dwight Howard, Malik Monk threats to terrific team chemistry?," 28 Aug. 2017
The Power of Protein The study of ancient proteins, paleoproteomics is an emerging interdisciplinary field that draws from chemistry and molecular biology as much as paleontology, paleoanthropology and archaeology.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Proteomics: Moving Beyond DNA to Study the Past," 15 Aug. 2017
Head coach Ed Stewart expects the bond the girls have formed over both sports to help the team's chemistry and ability to play in high-pressure situations.

— alexa philippou, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati volleyball expected to lead state again in 2017," 12 Aug. 2017
In the last 150 years, only a handful of rechargeable battery chemistries have reached mass adoption.

— john markoff, New York Times, "A Better, Safer Battery Could Be Coming to a Laptop Near You," 1 Aug. 2017
Scarborough said, and until recently the pair was most comfortable discussing their chemistry within the context of the show.

— olivia nuzzi, Daily Intelligencer, "Donald Trump Is Not Invited to the Wedding," 23 July 2017
The win was the fourth in a row for Attorney Deron Freeman (4-1), and Andrew Robinson said the team is hitting its stride after struggling with chemistry in a season-opening loss.

— jared silberkleit, courant.com, "Robinson Brothers Get Workout In Greater Hartford Pro-Am," 19 July 2017
But what really put the movie on the Hollywood map was the chemistry between the main characters, played by none other than Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret.

— carly breit, Country Living, "This Deleted Scene from Elvis Presley's 'Viva Las Vegas' Will Give You Chills," 17 July 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! Time Traveler

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