chemical

[ kem-i-kuh l ]
/ ˈkɛm ɪ kəl /

noun

a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.
chemicals, Slang. narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances.

adjective

of, used in, produced by, or concerned with chemistry or chemicals: a chemical formula; chemical agents.
used in chemical warfare: chemical weapons.

Origin of chemical

1570–80; chemic + -al1; replacing chimical chemic

OTHER WORDS FROM chemical

Example sentences from the Web for chemical

British Dictionary definitions for chemical

chemical
/ (ˈkɛmɪkəl) /

noun

any substance used in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use

adjective

of or used in chemistry chemical balance
of, made from, or using chemicals chemical fertilizer

Derived forms of chemical

chemically, adverb

Medical definitions for chemical

chemical
[ kĕmĭ-kəl ]

adj.

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

n.

A substance with a distinct molecular composition that is produced by or used in a chemical process.
A drug, especially an illicit or addictive one.

Other words from chemical

chemi•cal•ly adv.

Scientific definitions for chemical

chemical
[ kĕmĭ-kəl ]

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.