English Reference

Word

chemex

PhoneticsChem·ex

US/ˈʃɛm.ɛks/

UK/ˈkɛm.eks/

Definition

n. a manual glass coffee maker shaped like an hourglass that uses thick paper filters to produce a very clean and smooth tasting drink

n. a manual, pour-over style glass coffeemaker characterized by its hourglass shape and heat-resistant wood collar, designed to utilize proprietary bonded filters for a sediment-free brew.

Examples

“I bought a new Chemex to make coffee for my family on Sunday morning.”

“The barista recommended using a Chemex for this light roast to highlight its floral and citrus notes.”

“The Chemex is celebrated in the design world for its aesthetic elegance, residing in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art due to its fusion of form and function.”

Examples

simple

“I bought a new Chemex to make coffee for my family on Sunday morning.”

contextual

“The barista recommended using a Chemex for this light roast to highlight its floral and citrus notes.”

complex

“The Chemex is celebrated in the design world for its aesthetic elegance, residing in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art due to its fusion of form and function.”

Real-World Examples

“Harris prefers “anything with a paper filter [from £10], although once you have a Chemex [a pour-over-style glass coffee maker at about £50], you’ll never go back”.”
The Guardian · 24 Jan 2023
“The Chemex was invented by a scientist who believed there was an optimal angle for the best coffee extraction.”
The Guardian · 7 Feb 2014

Etymology

Coined in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm; the name is a portmanteau derived from 'chemistry' and 'excellence'.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

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