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 study has been published in the international chemistry journal Chem. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

The biggest potential landmine might be intangibles such as team chemistry, which often gets exposed when adversity hits. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Founders will notice hesitation, enthusiasm, chemistry, confidence, uncertainty, who’s influencing the room, whether the customer is actually excited. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Although the talent is evident, the biggest concern will be continuity, chemistry and communication, with three new starters expected to learn the system and build trust together. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

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