chemistry
- 01 A2 Elementary
the science that studies what things are made of and how they change when they are mixed together.
the branch of natural science dealing with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and the reactions by which they are transformed.
Simple“She decided to study chemistry at university because she loved doing experiments in the lab.”
In context“The fundamental principles of organic chemistry are essential for understanding how complex biological molecules interact within the human body.”
Usageuncountable in this general sense
Synonymschemical science - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the strong feeling of connection or attraction between two people.
the mutual attraction, rapport, or spontaneous emotional connection between two individuals.
Simple“The two actors had great chemistry on screen, making the love story feel very real.”
In context“Despite their impressive individual resumes, the two executives failed to lead effectively because they lacked the personal chemistry required for a collaborative partnership.”
Usageuncountable in this figurative sense
Teacher's tipOften used in the context of dating or professional partnerships to describe a 'natural fit'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the specific way a substance or a living thing behaves chemically.
the specific chemical properties, composition, and reactions of a particular organism, environment, or substance.
Simple“The chemistry of the soil in this garden is perfect for growing roses.”
In context“Researchers are still investigating the complex brain chemistry that contributes to chronic sleep disorders in elderly patients.”
Usagecan be countable or uncountable
Synonyms
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰew- Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Ancient Greek -μᾰ (-mă) Ancient Greek χῠ́μᾰ (khŭ́mă) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-i-eh₂ Proto-Hellenic *-íā Ancient Greek -ία (-ía) Ancient Greek χυμείᾱ (khumeíā)bor. Arabic الْكِيمِيَاء (al-kīmiyāʔ)bor. Medieval Latin alchēmia ▲ Ancient Greek χυμείᾱ (khumeíā)influ. New Latin chimiabor. Middle French chymie French chimie Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ίζω (-ízō) Proto-Hellenic *-tās Ancient Greek -τής (-tḗs) Ancient Greek -ιστής (-istḗs)der. Latin -istabor. French -iste French chimistebor. English chemist English -ry English chemistry First coined 1605, from chemist + -ry. From chemist, chymist, from Latin alchimista, from Arabic اَلْكِيمِيَاء (al-kīmiyāʔ), from article اَل (al-) + Ancient Greek χυμεία (khumeía, “art of alloying metals”), from χύμα (khúma, “fluid”), from χυμός (khumós, “juice”), from χέω (khéō, “to pour”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.