chemicals
n. countablen. substances that are made by a scientific process or that happen naturally. You often hear this word when people talk about cleaning products, medicine, or things added to food.
n. distinct substances produced by or used in a chemical process. Often used in the plural to refer to synthetic or industrial compounds, though technically encompassing all matter with a definite composition.
You should wear gloves when using strong chemicals to clean.
The factory was fined for leaking toxic chemicals into the nearby river system.
While many consumers seek products free from synthetic chemicals, it is worth noting that even natural substances like water and oxygen are technically chemical compounds.
Commonly used in the plural form when referring to industrial or household substances.