chemical

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɛmɪk(ə)l/

adjective

  • relating to chemistry, or the interactions of substances as studied in chemistry: the chemical composition of the atmosphere
  • relating to chemicals: chemical treatments for killing fungi
  • relating to or denoting the use of poison gas or other chemicals as weapons of war.

noun

  • a distinct compound or substance, especially one which has been artificially prepared or purified: never mix disinfectant with other chemicals
  • an addictive drug: [as modifier]: chemical dependency

Derivatives

chemically

adverb

Origin:

late 16th century: from French chimique or modern Latin chimicus, chymicus, from medieval Latin alchymicus, from alchimia (see alchemy)