# chemicals

/ˈkɛmɪkəɫz/ (US) · /kˈɛmɪkəlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chemicals
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. substances

noun · CEFR B1

substances that are made by or used in chemistry.

For teachers: distinct substances produced by or used in a chemical process. Usually plural when referring to a variety of substances.

- You should wear gloves when handling strong chemicals like bleach.
- The laboratory was equipped to handle volatile chemicals that required precise temperature control to remain stable during the experiment.

### 2. the industry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the business of making and selling chemical products.

For teachers: the commercial sector involved in the large-scale manufacture of chemical products.

- He spent his whole career working in chemicals.
- The regional economy relies heavily on chemicals, with several major processing plants located along the river.

Usage: Often used as a shorthand for the industrial sector rather than the substances themselves.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.