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[kem-i-kuh l] /ˈkɛm ɪ kəl/
a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.
chemicals, Slang. narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances.
of, used in, produced by, or concerned with chemistry or chemicals:
a chemical formula; chemical agents.
used in chemical warfare:
chemical weapons.
1570-80; chemic + -al1; replacing chimical chemic
Related forms
chemically, adverb
nonchemical, adjective, noun
prechemical, adjective
pseudochemical, adjective
semichemical, adjective
semichemically, adverb
superchemical, adjective, noun
superchemically, adverb
unchemical, adjective
unchemically, adverb Unabridged
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Examples from the web for chemical
  • But they had not yet succeeded in deducing the chemical properties of any molecules except the simplest hydrogen molecule.
  • chemical companies that make products as varied as fertilizer and industrial solvents are overseen by other agencies.
  • Department secretaries transcribed them while he pored over chemical journals and planned his next article.
  • Most countries have now agreed to give up using or storing chemical weapons.
  • Weathering is the mechanical and chemical hammer that breaks down and sculpts the rocks.
  • In this age of looming bioterrorism, keeping chemical warfare vapors off of soldiers is a primary military concern.
  • The method may be harsh, but the yield is precious-the chemical biography of a cave bear.
  • The scientists found that smaller golden orb spiders didn't produce the chemical because their webs were too thin to support ants.
  • Your task in the quiz is to match the chemical element to the product in which it is found.
British Dictionary definitions for chemical


any substance used in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use
of or used in chemistry: chemical balance
of, made from, or using chemicals: chemical fertilizer
Derived Forms
chemically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for chemical

1570s, "relating to chemistry," from chemic "of alchemy" (a worn-down derivative of Medieval Latin alchimicus; see alchemy) + -al (1). In early use also of alchemy. Related: Chemically.


1747, from chemical (adj.). Related: Chemicals.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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chemical in Medicine

chemical chem·i·cal (kěm'ĭ-kəl)
Abbr. chem.

  1. Of or relating to chemistry.

  2. Of or relating to the properties or actions of chemicals.

  1. A substance with a distinct molecular composition that is produced by or used in a chemical process.

  2. A drug, especially an illicit or addictive one.

chem'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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chemical in Science
Adjective  Relating to or produced by means of chemistry.

Noun  A substance having a specific molecular composition, obtained by or used in a chemical process.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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