chem·i·calI. \ˈkemə̇kəl, -ēk-\
adjectiveEtymology: alteration of earlier
chimical, from
chimic (earlier form of
chemic) +
-al1. a. obsolete : alchemical
b. archaic : of or relating to Paracelsian medicine specifically as it opposes Galenic medicine
2. : relating to applications of chemistry: as
a. : acting or operated by chemical means
< a chemical extinguisher > b. : treated with or performed by the aid of chemicals
< chemical development in photography > c. : produced by chemical means or synthesized from chemicals
< chemical fiber > < chemical rubber > d. : suitable for use in or used for operations in chemistry
< a chemical laboratory > < a chemical plant >3. : having reference to or relating to the science of chemistry: as
a. : occupied with chemistry
< a chemical researcher > < chemical societies > b. : dealing with chemistry
< a chemical journal > < chemical nomenclature > c. : characterized by the phenomena of chemistry
< chemical changes > < chemical forces >4. : of or relating to rocks (as gypsum, salt, and most limestones) that are deposited from solution
II. noun(
-s)
Etymology: alteration of earlier
chimical, from
chimical, adjective
: a substance (as an acid, alkali, salt, synthetic organic compound) obtained by a chemical process, prepared for use in chemical manufacture, or used for producing a chemical effect — see
fine chemical
,
heavy chemical
III. transitive verb(
-ed/-ing/-s)
: chemicalize